It is undoubtedly this kind of tribute, certainly offbeat, that we measure the performance of a player. On social networks, an Internet user did not hesitate to compare Bilal Coulibaly to Scottie Pippen – decked out in a beret and a baguette -, the former Chicago Bulls player, faithful lieutenant of Michael Jordan, considered to be the one of the best defenders in NBA history.
The reason? The colossal performance accomplished in defense by the Frenchman from the Washington Wizards during the victory on the floor of the Atlanta Hawks (119-121) on the night of Monday to Tuesday.
The former Metropolitans 92 player simply disgusted Trae Young, the best opposing player, by imposing constant pressure on him and limiting him to 14 points, like this defensive action on the final shot of the game missed by the leader of the Hawks, an NBA big name already selected twice for the All Star Game.
“Tonight, I really felt like I was making them miss their shots,” said the Frenchman. Seeing him get a little frustrated made me realize I was doing a good job on him. »
But Coulibaly (20 years old), who is playing his second season in the prestigious American league, not only defended well, he was also effective in attack, concluding the game with 17 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 interceptions. The kind of performance that confirms an increased offensive role for him with the Wizards this year.
Another young Frenchman stood out in the person of Alexandre Sarr (19 years old), number 2 in the last draft, who compiled 7 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks to allow the Wizards to achieve their first success of the season after two defeats.
Opposite, Zaccharie Risacher was less successful 24 hours after setting his NBA points record. The number 1 in the 2024 draft had to be satisfied this time with 4 small points. He will have the opportunity to make up for it against the same opponent on Wednesday evening since the two Eastern Conference rivals face each other again.
