Victor Wembanyama flexed his NBA All-Star credentials during the San Antonio Spurs’ 111-99 road victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The Frenchman led all scorers with 28 points, and added 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and five blocks on 8-for-15 shooting from the field and 12-for-15 shooting from the free throw line across 29 minutes of action.
The San Antonio Spurs trailed by as much as 16 and didn’t have the lead until late in the third period. Wembanyama sparked an 11-0 run to give his team the lead in the fourth quarter, which they never relinquished.
“It never really felt like it was a disaster during the game, even when we were down double digits. It felt like we were patient,” Wembanyama said via Jeff Garcia of KENS 5.
“I feel like we needed that from him tonight, and last time we were here, we talked about it; it’s not any secret we didn’t play well, so we needed him to have a good game tonight, and he did,” Stephon Castle said of Wembanyama’s performance. “He’s the head of the snake. I mean, his presence on defense, and then him being able to create shots for us, create shots for himself on the other end.”
San Antonio Spurs News: Kevin Durant highlights Victor Wembanyama’s growth
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant lauded Victor Wembanyama for his bounce-back performance last night. During their previous meeting last week, the San Antonio Spurs center was held in check by Houston, as Wembanyama only had 14 points and 10 rebounds on a woeful 5-for-21 shooting from the field.
“His jump shot’s getting better, his instincts of the game is getting better, his fundamentals are getting better, so for the rest of his career he is going to be guarded with physical defense and with two or three guys,” Durant said of Wembanyama via SI’s Lachard Binkley.
“He got to the line too much,” Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka stated. “Obviously, that was a big part of what he did. Shooting 15 is too high for him. Being physical without fouling, contesting with fouling… you’re not gonna block his shot, so take away the space and contest without fouling. But I think we got a little too into wrestling matches. Show your hands, use your body to push him off his spot without grabbing and holding.”
