2023-11-06 01:40:52
“Leading by 20 points means nothing in the NBA.” In the middle of the week, Wembanyama had already understood everything after his first comeback with Spurs. But this Sunday evening, it was the backlash for the French giant. After largely leading at halftime against Toronto (54-35), San Antonio cracked in the second period against the return of the Raptors before losing in overtime (120-116).
“Wemby” did not shine as much as his 38 points against Phoenix, but he delivered a rather honest performance. His very complete statistics line (20 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 interception) after his prowess against Phoenix, above all serves as confirmation. Confirmation that Wembanyama is now at home across the Atlantic, and in particular under the racket. The French giant especially enjoyed defending and slammed no less than 5 counterattacks.
A high-flying first half
Aligned once again in the starting 5 by his coach Gregg Popovich, the Frenchman was quick to stand out in the first quarter with 9 points, and a high-class action. A three-point basket scored with the foul as a bonus, like a Steph Curry but from the height of his 2.22 m. A combo that he had not yet achieved in the NBA. In the action that followed, he slammed a big dunk to improve his stats in the first 12 minutes. (9 points at 60% shooting, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers).
Less used, as usual, in the second quarter, the Frenchman still scored a monstrous counterattack on McDaniels’ head, his third already of the evening. Returning to the locker room with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks, the Frenchman was on the basis of another good evening while the Spurs largely dominated the Raptors (54-35).
Wembanyama off like Spurs
But the comeback was on the horizon with this little closer from Toronto much more comfortable offensively in this third quarter (86-71), especially as soon as Wembanyama came off the floor. Because when the 2.22 m is enthroned under the circle, Wemby’s arms fly everywhere, and up to Denis Schröder, however alone very far on the 3-point line. Two more counterattacks in this third quarter for the Frenchman!
“Clutch” in the finish in Phoenix, Wembanyama was a little more discreet at the end of the match, and watched a little cautiously as the Raptors returned to the match, back to 5 units, with 6 minutes to play. In a stifling end to the match, the Frenchman did not exert any weight, was well contained offensively, and even missed a defensive rebound by releasing the ball which allowed Toronto to come back to 110-110 and go into overtime.
If “Wemby” was the only Spurs performing in “overtime” with 4 points scored in 5 minutes, San Antonio could not contain the Raptors on their momentum in the second period. Wembanyama missed the opportunity to come back to 1 point in the last minute on a 3-pointer that went around the circle twice. Final score, 123-116 for Toronto. First defeat in overtime for Wembanyama in the NBA, who continues to learn!
#NBA #Wembanyamas #points #Spurs #ruin