28. This is the final evaluation of Victor Wembanyama against the Wolves with his 34 points (13 out of 30 on shots including 4/12 from distance…) and 8 rebounds. But it is also that of Rudy Gobertwho compiled 17 points (6/12 shooting), 15 rebounds and 2 blocks against his teammate in the selection. With the victory at the end, the third in a row for Minnesota. All obtained against the Texan franchises: Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.
“We are finding a better rhythm in attack, game after game. We're starting to find our rhythm. The ball is circulating better, and there is like oil in the machine” replies Rudy Gobert about this series of victories. “I don’t know how it feels from the outside, but for us, that’s how it feels. We still have times where it's not perfect, but it's getting better. Now the challenge for us is to remain a team focused on defense while playing this type of basketball. »
Speaking of defense, the four-time best defender in the NBA tried to limit the impact of Victor Wembanyama, by preventing him from having the ball or by cutting him off from his teammates.
“I tried to be physical, to make him work, to tire him out as much as possible” he confirms. “Collectively, I think we did a good job of making things difficult for him. On offense, I continued to put pressure on the rim. Overall, I am proud of the collective effort tonight. »
Still decisive on free throws
On an individual level, Rudy Gobert confirmed that he had improved enormously on free throws, and he was decisive at the end of the match. “I’m confident on my free throws. The key for me is not to think about it too much. I achieve ten in a row every day in training, at over 90%. In a match, it's just a matter of shooting them without thinking too much, of not getting upset. »
Finally, last night, a player broke the screen, and it was Donte DiVincenzo. Arriving in the suitcases of Julius Randle, the former Knicks shooter is getting better and better, and last night, he compiled 26 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists coming off the bench. Its adaptation is one of the positive elements of the moment.
“It has incredible importance. He was himself, making plays on both ends of the court, making good decisions, making the right choices and scoring important baskets.” concludes the Frenchman. “That’s who he is. When the offense is working, the ball is moving, we're setting screens and we're spacing for each other, players like him benefit and can bring us a lot. »
