Where did Victor Wembanyama go? The spectacular player who invented new gestures in every match, aroused exclamations from the spectators and dragged his team to the top? Last night, during the Spurs’ clear defeat in Oklahoma City (105-93), he produced the worst, if not the worst, performance of his young NBA career: 6 small points of which 4 were free throws, only 5 attempted shots and none in the second half. On defense he didn’t have much more impact, despite 8 rebounds and 3 blocks. Above all, the Frenchman gave the unpleasant impression that something was not going right.
All evening he seemed annoyed, not interested. In the final minutes of the match, sitting on the bench like most of the starters when the score is already decided, we see him groaning as he points to the floor, along with Jeremy Sochan.
Not since his debut on American courts a year ago had Wemby scored so few points in a game. He had never drawn so many sighs of disappointment and intolerance from the supporters of his franchise. “Everyone is in the right state of mind,” the Frenchman said in the dressing room after the match. But I don’t know, maybe it’s our youth, but maybe we feel a little lost too. »
Nothing went right during the match, where he was left shaken, as often since the beginning of the season. He caused a technical foul by being pushed in the back by Luguentz Dort, then was (involuntarily) elbowed in the face by Chet Holmgren. Meanwhile, during a duel with Ajay Mitchell, he slipped to the ground, spraining his ankle, forcing him to return to the locker room for a few minutes.
Is Victor Wembanyama physically compromised or is there something else going on? “I have no worries about him,” assures his teammate Harrison Barnes. I meet him up close: his state of mind is the right one. It just needs time. » We must add to the record of his 4 ball losses on the night while he spent only 27 minutes on the pitch. He seemed lost, often in a bad situation, perhaps torn between the desire to play wide when he wanted and the staff’s desire to see him approach the rim. After a while, Oklahoma even stopped defending with two on the Spurs’ pivot. The magic of Wemby is gone for now.
Contrast with his rival Chet Holmgren
The contrast with Chet Holmgren is total: while the American made winning three-point shots in the heart of the first half (19 points and a success rate of 70%), Victor Wembanyama, for his part, continued to fail in the long run distance (3 failures in rapid succession). “You shouldn’t look at things individually,” Holmgren elegantly eludes regarding the duel he comprehensively won last night. We consider these matches as an opposition of teams; This is the state of mind we are all in. » The Thunder player felt so confident in front of the 2023-2024 rookie of the year that he tried this gesture that they both succeeded in last season: sending the ball against the backboard before recovering it to score. Wemby, who had suffered the blow, avoided the humiliation of a highlight reel at his expense with a wave of his hand.
The Spurs, who were aiming to fight for playoff qualification, seem to have regressed compared to the end of last season. Enough to annoy coach Gregg Popovich, who evidently cannot find the right formula despite the reinforcement of two experienced players in the offseason (Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes), and who gave vent to his players at the beginning of the match.
“Sorry for the wait,” he apologized to reporters after the match, “but I had some things to say to my team. I love the Thunder, they are a better team than us, fighting for the playoffs and maybe even more, but this should not be an excuse: we are trying to get to their level, and we have to improve. » The Spurs will be able to compete this Thursday evening, in back-to-back games against the Utah Jazz. Sick in recent days and injured his ankle in Oklahoma City, Victor Wembanyama could be rested.
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Interview for Time.news: Understanding Victor Wembanyama’s Struggles on the Court
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to Time.news! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Lucas Martin, a sports psychologist and NBA analyst, to delve into the recent challenges faced by NBA sensation, Victor Wembanyama. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Martin!
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me! It’s an interesting time to discuss Wembanyama, given his high expectations and recent performance.
Editor: Absolutely! After a promising start to his NBA career, he seemed to struggle during the recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. We witnessed one of the lowest scoring games of his career. What do you think contributed to this performance?
Dr. Martin: Well, there are a few factors at play here. First, the pressure of being a high-profile rookie comes with its own set of stressors. When you slip below your own standards, the toll can be mental as much as it is physical. In this case, Wembanyama may have faced both external pressures from fans and his own expectations.
Editor: You mentioned mental stressors. How do you think his mindset before and during the game affected his performance?
Dr. Martin: Based on reports, he appeared frustrated, which indicates that he might be grappling with self-doubt. Frustration can manifest physically too; his body language suggests he wasn’t fully present during the game. When thoughts about poor performance creep in, it can lead to a disengagement from the game, which might explain why he missed several shots and struggled defensively.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. He was seen visibly upset, even sitting on the bench groaning towards the end of the game. What impact does that type of behavior have on a rookie’s development?
Dr. Martin: Such reactions can be twofold. On the one hand, it demonstrates his passion and desire to perform well, which is a positive trait. On the other hand, if these feelings of frustration build up consistently, they could hinder his overall development. It’s crucial for players like Wembanyama to learn how to cope with adversity on and off the court while remaining engaged with both teammates and the game itself.
Editor: You’ve also noted some injuries and mishaps during the game, like the ankle sprain he incurred. Do you see a connection between physical health and mental performance?
Dr. Martin: Absolutely. Physical injuries can take a significant toll on a player’s confidence, even if they’re minor. If Wembanyama isn’t feeling 100% physically, it can easily translate into hesitancy and indecision on the court. Such a back-and-forth between physical and mental health is common in sports, particularly for a player still finding his rhythm.
Editor: Speaking of rhythm, you mentioned the contrast between Wembanyama’s performance and that of his rival, Chet Holmgren. How can comparing oneself to peers affect a player’s mindset?
Dr. Martin: Comparisons, especially at such a young age, can be detrimental. While Holmgren had a standout performance, it’s vital for Wembanyama to focus on his own progress rather than falling into the trap of comparison. Each player has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, and learning to embrace one’s own journey is essential for long-term success.
Editor: That’s a great perspective, Dr. Martin. In closing, what advice would you give to Wembanyama and other rookies facing similar challenges?
Dr. Martin: I’d emphasize the importance of patience. Basketball is a team sport and a continuous learning process. It’s crucial for players to communicate openly with their coaches and teammates about their feelings and struggles on and off the court. Developing coping mechanisms and a support system can help them navigate these challenging moments.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martin, for sharing your insights! It will be interesting to see how Victor Wembanyama responds in the upcoming games.
Dr. Martin: Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing how he evolves from this experience.
Editor: That wraps up our interview. Stay tuned for more updates on Wembanyama and other exciting developments in the world of sports right here at Time.news!