Victor Wembanyama’s shot selection will still be debated. Because while the Spurs had the opportunity to take control of the match in money time, “Wemby” drew two long-distance arrows in the last 75 seconds of the match. The first ended in an air-ball, when the second was not taken into account (even though it had not returned) since an offensive foul had been called on Chris Paul…
Winners of the Wizards on Wednesday, the Spurs therefore missed their entry into the NBA Cup against the Lakers (120-115) at the Frost Bank Center.
“We had some good streaks but we will continue to learn because this is our first close game with Devin Vassell, Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama all three on the field”tried to justify himself Mitch Johnson, the interim coach of the Spurs in place of Gregg Popovich.
Victor Wembanyama “would have wanted more impact”
Back in front (101-100) four minutes from time on a winner from Keldon Johnson (12 points) for the first time since the end of the 1st quarter, San Antonio however had a response and for a long time made the Lakers doubt. From the outset, Chris Paul (11 points and 11 assists) and his gang had put the Lakers under fire, to the point of having a 12-point lead from the middle of the first quarter (21-8).
On a mission to “Wemby”, especially after the Frenchman’s 50 points against Washington, Anthony Davis gave the Frenchman a hard time in terms of intensity and physical combat. “AD”, with his best mark of the season and crowned with a 5th double-double (40 points at 14/26, 12 rebounds), pushed the Frenchman away from the basket. “ There were certain moments that slipped through our fingers, the match went very quickly, but I would have liked us to have more impact. We let the game play out too much”commented the Frenchman when asked about his duel against Anthony Davis, adding that this meeting was “promising” for the rest of the season.
With once again a high number of 3-point shots (13 attempts, 4 successes), “Wemby”, signatory of his 5th double-double of the season (28 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists in 34 minutes), n ‘did not shoot any shots in the game. “He penetrated the racket well but he didn’t get a single whistle”regrets Mitch Johnson. The turnovers (13) and offensive rebounds (10) left to the Lakers allowed JJ Redick’s men to win with forceps.
With now six victories in thirteen games, the Spurs continue this Saturday evening for a new Texan derby in Dallas while the Lakers will challenge the Pelicans, also back-to-back.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Chris Paul passes the 12,000 mark. On an alley-oop sent to Victor Wembanyama at the start of the first quarter, “CP3” joined John Stockton and Jason Kidd in the club of players having delivered more than 12,000 assists. “It’s crazy: more than anything, I’m happy for the opportunity to be able to play in the NBA. When I played my first game at Utah, I looked at John Stockton’s jersey and jokingly said to myself that I’m going to break this record for assists.” smiles the San Antonio veteran.
– LeBron James signs his 4th triple-double in a row. The “King” confirms his very good start to the season: he largely contributed to the 8th victory in 12 games for the Lakers, with 15 points on 6/11 shooting, 16 rebounds and 12 assists in 38 minutes. At almost 40 years old, this is the first time he has scored four triple-doubles in a row.
– Stephon Castle confirme. Drafted in 4th position last June by the Texans, the former UConn leader approached his first meeting against the Lakers with serenity. And brilliantly since he finished with 22 points on 7/12 shots and 5 assists in 32 minutes. He also exchanged a few words with LeBron James, “a player he looked smaller”. “When young players like him face guys with a certain CV, there can be amazement and that’s normal but he played very well. The way he played says a lot (about his maturity) because he finished with a nice stat line.”greets Mitch Johnson.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
From our correspondent in San Antonio (United States).
