After a complicated first half due to the special defense reserved by the Pelicans, Victor Wembanyama managed to get out of the box in the second half and had a nice little game overall, marked by a statistical line that was close to triple -double (17 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists)… but above all by a decisive block for the victory of the Spurs!
The full statistics (spoiler: Jonas Valanciunas did some work)!
Willie Green prepared his players for the arrival of Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Gregg Popovich’s team has won 3 of its last 5 meetings, and the objective seems to continue to take the games one after the other, playing hard. In the absence of Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan, the Pelicans technician’s idea is simple: isolate Victor Wembanyama from the game, and make his life impossible if he manages to recover the ball.
It’s good, too, that Wemby is facing teams this early that are implementing stifling defensive game plans.
How to exist in a meeting where you are taken in pairs on a regular basis? It’s part of the learning process, and it allows the staff to see the missing talent…
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) April 6, 2024
In the facts ? That works. The French pivot only scored 2 points (!) in the first half. At the same time, it’s not for lack of having been warned by Pop’ himself before the meeting. The San Antonio coach knows how well the Louisiana team knows how to defend. Especially thanks to Herb Jones.
Gregg Popovich on Herb Jones, who is having a phenomenal season on defense:
“Avoid him like the plague. You don’t want him to defend on you. Do you think I’m kidding? I told my players: if he’s close to you, give the ball to someone else. »
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) April 5, 2024
In the second half, and while the Pels led with more or less two possessions in advance during the entirety of the first half, Wemby finally got rid of its marking. The Spurs are gradually coming back, and the end of the match promises to be tense. New Orleans absolutely wants this success, because its postseason journey may depend on it. Too bad, because behind a Victor who showcases his offensive versatility, the Éperons do the work and take the lead (7 players will finish with 14 points or more!). The end of the match is particularly close, and it will take a huge counter from V’ with 13 seconds remaining to finish the job. Under pressure, the Pelicans miss the final ball, victory for San Antonio (109-111).
17 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 blocks, 1 interception at 5/12 shooting including 3/6 at 3-points for Victor Wembanyama!
The Pelicans for the win?
✋WEMBY IT NON ✋ pic.twitter.com/rFyH8NKjJh
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) April 6, 2024
2024-04-06 02:37:00
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