We know it with Victor Wembanyama, the steps are climbed four at a time. So, to improve on his career-best scoring mark, the Spurs interior went straight from 40 points against New York at the end of last season to 50 last night against the Wizards. A monstrous performance, at only 20 years old, and which also largely contributed to San Antonio's victory (139-130). “Wemby” however seems far from being satisfied with this.
It must be said that with 50 points scored in his first 26 minutes on the floor, Wembanyama can say that he still has room to do better and even more impressive. “ It's an important step, it's like joining a private club » he congratulated himself, before immediately planning ahead. “ I don't know how many players are part of it (167 now, editor's note) but it makes me proud. The first thing I think is that I want my next performance to surpass this one. I want to make sure that in the future it's just another match. »
Fourth youngest player in history to 50 points
Still with his feet on the ground but his gaze far towards the horizon, Victor Wembanyama confirms his XXL return to form in recent days. After a sluggish start to the season in attack, the Frenchman has just put together several choice performances, ones to be placed on restricted lists in the annals of the NBA. He thus becomes, at 20 years and 314 days, https://twitter.com/BenGolliver/status/1856894754463637839 to pass the 50 point mark behind Brandon Jennings, LeBron James and Devin Booker.
“Wemby” is the type in a hurry, in addition to being determined to erase his awkwardness from the first meetings. As against Sacramento on Monday, the rookie of the year 2024 wasted no time in firing from afar, with a first winner on his first attempt after 42 seconds of play. Then a second only 20 seconds later, in the heart of 'a great start for Spurs, leading 13-3 after just two minutes of play. We try to correct our mistakes, and especially in my case, to get going earlier and faster in the match, because you never know » he analyzed after the meeting. “ It's always better not to scare us at the end of the match. »
“If he scores 50 points every night, let him go for it”
Victor Wembanyama finishes with a new career record thanks to his 8/16 3-pointers (only one success short of the Spurs' historic record held by Chuck Person), after passing six in his last two outings. Making six baskets from distance in three consecutive games, only the league's elite snipers had achieved it in its last three seasons: Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Trae Young.
« He won't do it every night, but when he has this state of mind, it's difficult for opponents to deal with » enthused Julian Champagnie. “ He never lowered his head. I think there were periods where he would miss five shots in a row, and he would stay on the next shot, the next shot, the next shot. This is what we want to see from him. If he scores 50 points every night, let him go for it. Score 50 points. We are super proud of him. » « If you look closely, he took good shots, in the right rhythm » added interim coach Mitch Johnson. “ And his success from distance draws defenders to him in a unique way. »
However, it was not enough to completely shelter San Antonio at the end of the match, while Johnson thought he could make his executives breathe, including Wembanyama, with just over seven minutes to go and around twenty points ahead. advance. Without consequence ultimately against the Wizards of Bilal Coulibaly and Alexandre Sarr, who could do nothing to limit the “Wemby” show. If Julian Champagnie asked himself in front of the media what had particularly motivated his teammate for this match, he has his answer. “ When I see Bilal and Alex, I am in competition with them because I have played with them since I was little but first of all, I have a responsibility towards my team » assured Victor Wembanyama.
A responsibility fully assumed, for a return to a balanced record of six victories and six defeats. “I will celebrate this performance of course, I love celebrating small victories as well as big ones but tomorrow I will be focused again » advances Wembanyama, already ready for the next box.
