Victor Wembanyama arrived in Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz last night on Halloween, hidden under the long black cloak and white mask of Faceless One, the cute character from the cartoon Chihiro’s Journey. Even on the pitch the Frenchman was unique: he let himself go completely after a lackluster start to the season, shooting at all costs, sometimes awkwardly but clearly rediscovering the pleasure of playing.
The result was a victory (106-88), the second of the season, and a spectacular performance, symbolized by the achievement of a new 5×5 (5 or more in 5 statistical categories). Only two other players in NBA history have made more 5x5s in their careers: Hakeem Olajuwon (6 in 1,238 games) and Andrei Kirilenko (3 in 797 games)…
“I have to improve my standards because it’s something I’m capable of doing,” the Frenchman said without boasting after the match (25 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 interceptions, 5 blocks). I am able to help my team in all these parts of the pitch. It should be something I do more often. »
Had he never scored so few points (6) two days ago during the Oklahoma City defeat? He has never shot as many triples as last night: 13 attempts, from all corners of the court. Behind the circle he only made four attempts but the important thing was elsewhere: he found his smile and the pleasure of playing again. “It’s basketball, we have to have fun and that means being aggressive and not hesitating to try our luck,” he believes.
He sets the tone from the start of the game: after 30 seconds of play he misses a first three-point attempt, then a second one a minute later. Does he receive a ball near the rim? Shoot. He finally enters the field after 2’30 minutes of play and everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Gregg Popovich, unlike his usual, spends the entire first half sitting. As if he had left his French player the keys to the truck that cannot be put in any box.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich agrees
Was the Spurs coach happy to see his player shoot from all positions, without asking questions? “Absolutely,” he replied at the end of the meeting. He’s more of an outside player than a physically demanding player near the rim, but we want him to be able to do it all. And you can’t teach him everything at once. »
So Spurs let Victor Wembanyama be that free agent player who can shine in all phases of the game. That’s how he feels better. Free from constraints, he can give the full measure of his talent. In the first half the Spurs are behind in the score but we believe that with a little more seriousness they can gain the upper hand over a fairly limited opposing team, deprived of their best asset, the Finnish Lauri Markkanen.
In the second period San Antonio closes ranks and takes off quickly. Wemby scores but also plays around him. “I’m proud of him: it’s nice that he managed to recover like this after the match the day before”, confesses teammate Sandro Mamukelashvili, author of 4 baskets, including 2 from Wemby. Last year he was incredible and this year we have to give him time. We’re only at four or five games. He doesn’t change anyway, he’s always the same, with his people poker face and his habits. »
Credit to Wembanyama in the second act: an interception into the arms of Keyonte George before raising the ball and delivering a decisive pass… behind Julian Champagnie, a counterattack on John Collins, another on the same player in the next minute, and numerous screens, to free up space for Chris Paul, who scored 19 points. At the end of the game, he came full speed back to prevent Collin Sexton from scoring. The American knows he will be blocked, he tries to score anyway, obviously he is blocked and prefers to smile about it.
In Spirited Away, Spirited Away tells Faceless, “Accept your nature and don’t try to be like something you’re not.” Bad Wemby.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Basketball Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the remarkable performance of Victor Wembanyama during the recent Halloween game against the Utah Jazz. Joining us is basketball expert Dr. Amelia Carter. Dr. Carter, thank you for being here!
Dr. Amelia Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to talk about such a dynamic player.
Time.news Editor: Wembanyama arrived at the game dressed as the Faceless One from “Chihiro’s Journey.” It’s a unique choice, but what do you think that says about his personality?
Dr. Amelia Carter: It highlights his playful side and suggests a desire to connect with fans on a more personal level. Athletes often feel the pressure of expectations, and sometimes embracing a lighthearted persona can alleviate that. This attitude can also serve to humanize him in the eyes of his supporters.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Now, let’s talk about his performance on the court. Wembanyama achieved a new 5×5 against the Jazz—25 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocks. What does this kind of stat line indicate about a player?
Dr. Amelia Carter: A 5×5 is generally seen as a hallmark of versatility and all-around skill. It’s rare and showcases a player’s ability to impact the game in multiple facets. It highlights his defensive prowess with those blocks and steals, while also demonstrating his scoring ability and court vision. Only two other players have accomplished more in NBA history, which speaks volumes about his potential.
Time.news Editor: After a slow start to the season, it seems like he found his rhythm. What do you think contributed to this resurgence?
Dr. Amelia Carter: Wembanyama himself mentioned rediscovering the pleasure of playing, and that’s crucial. When a player is enjoying the game, they often perform better. His aggressive shooting and willingness to take risks indicate a return to confidence. It’s a vital aspect of a young player’s development, especially when they face challenges early in their career.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of aggression, we saw him take a significant number of three-point attempts. Is that something you’d like to see him develop further?
Dr. Amelia Carter: Definitely! The ability to stretch the floor with consistent shooting from beyond the arc is critical for modern big men. His willingness to shoot from multiple positions is a strong indicator of his potential to be an impactful player. However, he should also find a balance to ensure he’s not just shooting for the sake of it, but making smart decisions.
Time.news Editor: Coach Gregg Popovich seemed pleased with Wembanyama’s performance, allowing him the freedom to explore his game. How important is this coaching approach for a young player?
Dr. Amelia Carter: It’s incredibly important. Popovich understands that giving players the freedom to express themselves can accelerate their development. It fosters creativity and confidence, which are crucial for someone like Wembanyama, who has such a unique skill set. By allowing him to experiment without strict constraints, Popovich is setting him up to learn and grow more quickly than if he were shackled by rigid expectations.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that Wembanyama’s growth is crucial, especially in light of the team’s current challenges. As the Spurs continue to navigate through their season, what do you think their focus should be in terms of developing him?
Dr. Amelia Carter: The Spurs should focus on blending his offensive skills with solid defensive fundamentals. Consistent training in both areas will help him become a dual-threat on the court. They also need to ensure he maintains his health while managing the pressure of being a franchise cornerstone—balancing his playstyle with physical demands will be key moving forward.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Carter, your insights are invaluable. Wembanyama’s journey is definitely one to watch. As we wrap up, what’s your message to fans looking to follow his career?
Dr. Amelia Carter: Enjoy the ride! This is a rare talent we’re witnessing. Embrace the highs and lows of his journey—each game is a step in his evolution. And remember, his growth as a player will also reflect on the growth of the Spurs as a team.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter! It’s always a pleasure. We’ll be looking forward to more exciting moments from Victor Wembanyama this season!
