Victor Wembanyama finds his sights again, after a start to the season without an address

Victor Wembanyama's start to the season was more reminiscent of automatic watering than a precision object. The French basketball star, in his second year in the NBA, had until then struggled to find the target, particularly at three points, but persisted in attempting numerous long-distance shots – encouraged by the technical staff of his San Antonio Spurs team. . The Frenchman was back in the spotlight on Monday, November 11, with a major performance to help the Spurs overthrow the Sacramento Kings (116-96). To his 34 points – his record this season –, 14 rebounds, six assists and three blocks, “Wemby” added six successful shots (for 12 attempted) behind the arc (for 12 attempted), a personal record equaled.

In difficulty on winning shots during the first eight games of the season (only 25% success), the interior of 2.24 m was well found by veteran leader Chris Paul, one of the reinforcements of the Texan squad in the offseason. “What’s changed is that I haven’t taken fewer three-pointers, I’ve taken better onesanalyzed Victor Wembanyama at a press conference after the meeting. I feel more comfortable… I'm only 20 years old and I hope that I will feel better and better over the next few years. »

After a successful first season – crowned with the title of rookie (beginner) of the year and a second place in the ranking of best defender – and a silver Olympic summer with the French men's team, Victor Wembanyama attacked the season with desire, and by developing his game – with more or less success. Where last season 33% of his shots were behind the three-point line, this proportion rises to more than 45% at the start of the season. And despite a sluggish start, the French “sophomore” (second year) seems to be regaining his sensations for three games (12 successful three-pointers, 57% success rate).

“We worked on three-point shooting a lot in the offseason. Sometimes they come in, sometimes they don't. But we must continue to insist, as long as they are quality shots”explained his teammate Harrison Barnes, Monday after the meeting – author of 10 points and 5 rebounds. « He shoots every dayin turn detailed Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson. He missed some real good shots early in the season and I understand that it became a topic of discussion. But we never doubted. It looks like the percentages are rebalancing at this point. »

The Spurs assistant coach, who replaces Gregg Popovich at short notice due to health concerns of the winningest coach in NBA history, follows the words of his mentor. “Do I want to see [Victor] shoot a lot of three-pointers? Absolutely, absolutely. (…) We want him to be able to do everything on the floor: go in isolation, shoot, the whole thing”Professed Gregg Popovich at a press conference on October 31. With now five wins and six defeats at the start of the season, Spurs will need a skillful Victor Wembanyama to hope to do better this year.