NBA: records for Victor Wembanyama but another defeat for the Spurs

2023-12-09 07:26:21

Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs have lost the taste for victory. Last night against Chicago (112-121), they suffered a 16th defeat in a row, a record in the history of the franchise, already reached last year. For more than a month and a trip to Phoenix, the Texans have not had any success. Against the Bulls, they once again sank in the third quarter (20-35). The observation is always the same: the Spurs cannot shine over time and especially not in the moments that count. “This series touches me, because everything is going well in my life, but these defeats are the only downside,” declared the Frenchman after the match. It’s difficult but I’ve never felt discouraged. You have to be patient, there is no other choice. »

The worst team of last season (fewer number of victories, worse defense) did not suddenly transform with the arrival of Victor Wembanyama, its number 1 in the Draft. The Frenchman, however, does everything to keep her head above water. Positioned for the first time this season in the pivot position from the kick-off, he set a string of individual records. First of all, he beat his number of rebounds captured in a game (20), which added to his 21 points paint a very satisfactory statistical picture.

Records that “don’t have much value”

At 19 years and 338 days old, he became the youngest player to score at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in the same game. Above all, he is the first player in NBA history to reach the mark of 350 points, 50 assists, 50 blocks and 25 interceptions during his first 20 career games, perfectly illustrating the versatility of the player, capable of shining at four corners of the field. “These records don’t mean much to me if we don’t win,” he corrects. They just show that I have achieved something that I can work on to improve. » The only downside is his mid-distance or three-point shots (none successful against the Bulls).

Victor Wembanyama left it all on the floor for the Spurs!

???? 21 PTS
???? 20 REB
???? 4 BLK

Wemby becomes the only player to record a 20-PT, 20-REB, 4-BLK game this season. pic.twitter.com/ikBgRq8KDr

— NBA (@NBA) December 9, 2023

After the meeting, sitting in the press room, Victor Wembanyama uses the word “experiment” twice. This is the whole point of the Spurs season, who are trying a lot without really finding the solution. “We’re making progress,” he tries to be positive. “There were lots of good things but we have already experienced this very often: a match lasts four quarters,” underlines Gregg Popovich. “We are improving but we cannot forget the basics, and this evening we forgot them by conceding too many offensive rebounds to the opponent,” continues the Texan coach.

The presence of Wembanyama under the basket, despite his 20 rebounds, did not change much: San Antonio was once again stepped on by an opponent within his reach. The Spurs have lost the taste for victory, and it is the bitter taste for defeat that will accompany them all weekend, until the next match, a trip to neighboring Houston on Monday. If defeated, they would set a new record for consecutive losses in franchise history.