2023-12-13 06:27:10
The Spurs therefore managed to do worse than the 16 consecutive losses suffered last season, when they finished last in the Western Conference (22 wins – 60 losses). A journey that allowed them to hope to win the jackpot in the draft. And besides, in June they drafted French prodigy Victor Wembanyama as their first choice.
Wembanyama scored 15 points, took 18 rebounds and managed 5 blocks against Houston, without avoiding defeat for his team, while also being quite clumsy (1 of 6 three-pointers, 5 turnovers). “Our defense was solid, we have to keep that. We have no choice but to continue moving forward. No one on the team doubts that in the long term, we will be winners. I hate losing but I stay focused on the long term,” breathed the Frenchman.
A “poster dunk” to soften the defeat
The giant (2.22 m) will be able to console himself with a shattering “poster dunk” during the third quarter, with one hand, in the duel with the opposing pivot Alperen Sengun. A small ray of sunshine in a new evening of misery for the Spurs, catastrophic in shooting (35.6%, including 5 out of 41 for 12.2% from distance).
“They were very good in defense, they fought, but you have to be able to make the shots,” said coach Gregg Popovich.
The young Texans, last in the west (3 wins – 19 losses), have not won since November 2 in Phoenix. On Wednesday and Friday, they twice host LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers, who just won the NBA Cup last week.
Furthermore, this Monday, Milwaukee and Giannis Antetokounmpo (32 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists) needed an extension to defeat the Chicago Bulls (133-129) of DeMar DeRozan (41 points, 11 assists). The Bucks were left with a defeat in the semifinals of the NBA Cup against Indiana on Thursday in Las Vegas. The Pacers, defeated by LeBron James’ Lakers in the final in the city of play on Saturday, recovered 131 to 123 at the Detroit Pistons (19 defeats in a row), thanks to 30 points from Canadian Bennedict Mathurin coming off the bench .
8 points and 8 rebounds only for Gobert
Another unfortunate semi-finalist of the NBA Cup, New Orleans offered itself a prestigious victory against the leaders of the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves (121-107), deprived of Anthony Edwards, who remained on 6 successes . Criticized in recent days for potential overweight by fans and media, the strong Zion Williamson responded with 36 points. French pivot Rudy Gobert was limited to 8 points and 8 rebounds.
#NBA #17th #defeat #row #sad #record #Wembanyama #Spurs