In just over a year, the progress of the San Antonio Spurs is evident, all under the leadership of their French star Victor Wembanyama, who in just a few months has become a monster on the court who never ceases to impress. 10th in the Western Conference with 18 victories for as many defeats, the Wemby gang are having a first part of the season, if not idyllic, at least ideal, and the hopes of qualifying for the play-off are very real.
And it's not Monday's defeat against Chicago that will change anything, despite a context to the Spurs' advantage. The Texans actually spent almost the entire match in the lead, thanks to Wembanyama in good form (23 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 8 blocks), before being eaten up in the fourth quarter by the glutton Zach LaVine (35 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists), not helped by an obvious lack of skill with free throws (2 of 6 in the last quarter).
On arrival, the Spurs leave Chicago with a narrow defeat (114-110), without it really moving our Frenchy, who alternates between super demands and philosophy at the press conference.
Spurs on the right path
“Tonight it was definitely a mix of things. I don't think there was just one place where we were really bad, other than the turnovers. But it's about effort and attention to detail. Of course, we should have more victories but we don't deserve more victories because that's where we are now, he judged after the match. This is our level, our maturity. This defeat is tough, of course, but we need this to progress. There are close games, but in the games where we are on top, we have to keep the advantage because in the NBA, all games are close. »
With a young but promising squad, reinforced by the arrival of old veteran Chris Paul, who came to inject experience and talent at the age of 39, the Spurs are on the right path this season. And the recent defeats, against Chicago on Monday and against Jokic's Nuggets on Saturday, are seen more as a necessary learning of the demands of the very high level than as insurmountable failures. Set to patiently build the foundations for future success, this Spurs team seems ahead of its schedule. Who do we say thank you? Thanks Wemby!
