2023-12-16 05:55:49
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are smiling again! Scott Wachter / REUTERS
San Antonio ended its 18-game losing streak Friday at home by defeating LeBron James’ Lakers.
Finally ! For the first time since November 2, and after a terrible series of 18 defeats in a row, a franchise record, the Spurs beat the Lakers (129-115) at the Frost Bank Center. The fourth success of the season for San Antonio, still last in the West (4v-20l). Without LeBron James but with a huge Anthony Davis (37 pts), LA won at Alamo City two days ago (119-122), despite Victor Wembanyama’s 30 points. This time, “AD” was unavailable, as were D’Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish, but the “King” was back. The latter, too lonely, scored 24 points and 14 assists for his first duel against the Frenchman, including a three-pointer on his snout in the corner. “LBJ” is not afraid…
13 points at 5/13, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 interceptions and 2 blocks for “Wemby”, who we have already seen more impactful but who had the merit of playing with patience, fairness, simple without forcing. Especially since several of his teammates were hot. Seven of them at 10 points or more, including Devin Vassell (36 pts, personal best). “To me, this looks like a playoff game. We like this feeling. We have to work hard to repeat that.”, jubilated the French giant (2.24m). And to continue, regarding this long-awaited success: “That’s what I’m addicted to, that’s what I love.”
Everything started like a dream for Gregg Popovich’s men, who took full advantage of Davis’ absence to make their money in the racket. Regular shelling. The score speaks for itself: 42-22 after 12 minutes of action, then 49-24 in the second quarter! LeBron raised his voice but the locals, jostled, were still in the lead at the break (66-62, then 69-62 MT). Contrary to usual, San Antonio did not take the lead in the third quarter, quite the contrary, and led again by 15 points after an increase from Wembanyama (81-66). With hot shots from Rui Hachimura (20 pts) or Austin Reaves (22 pts), LA fell back below 10 points (88-80) at the end of the third quarter and even again at the start of the fourth, after a dunk signed LeBron (98-89).
Good for the head
Nothing reassuring for these Spurs who have often tended to collapse in money-time in recent weeks… We know them. This time, they didn’t flinch. With a jumper from Vassell, a rebound well secured by Jeremy Sochan and a rebound from Doug McDermott, the “Silver and Black” immediately started again (103-89) and Cedi Osman climbed into the towers (107-91). Wembanyama, for his part, did not force anything, not hesitating to serve his comrades, like on this inside pass for Vassell. The Frenchman, however, slammed a dunk to once again fuel the scoring (111-94). James tried to sound the revolt by multiplying the caviars, and by scolding his partners during a time-out, but it was not the evening of the Lakers. Rather that of the Spurs, much fairer and cleaner than usual (9 ball losses) and skillful from afar (42.9% at 3 pts). They were flying towards this success which will do so much good to the minds. You only had to see the smiles on the faces of “Wemby” and company at the final whistle to be convinced… Coach Ham began to empty his bench five minutes from the end. “Pop” did it with 1’48 to play (129-115 final score).
To follow for the Spurs, one more match at home, before three trips in a row. It will be Sunday at 9:30 p.m. French time, against New Orleans. A match during which the Texan franchise will honor a certain Tony Parker, after the Frenchman’s induction into the Hall of Fame last summer. The opportunity to immerse yourself in the glory days of the Texan club, crowned five times between 1999 and 2014, including four with TP. One thing is certain: “Wemby” and company will be able to start again on new bases, even if this series of 18 defeats will remain in the annals of San Antonio.
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