In the absence of their leader, Spurs must change the way they play and bring in other players. What they managed to do perfectly last night during the NBA Cup against the former leaders of the Western Conference, the Thunder (110-104 victory), while Victor Wembanyama (2.24 m, 20 years old) was on the bench in street clothes.
Maximum precaution
Because the absences of the latter are rare. Last year, the French prodigy only missed 11 games, spread out well throughout the season. Spurs have always been cautious with him, but he has yet to have any injuries that would require him to be sidelined for any length of time. In recent days, this is actually only the second time in his career across the Atlantic that he has missed two games in a row.
Wembanyama suffered a blow to the knee in a tough battle in the Lakers' racket against Anthony Davis on the night of November 15 to 16 (defeat 115-120). He had temporarily left the field to go to the locker room for treatment. Even if he assured that there was “nothing wrong, so everything is fine” in a press conference reported by Théo Quintard, he was still preserved by the Spurs in the following two matches against Dallas (110-93 defeat) and Oklahoma City. His condition is studied daily, as the interim coach explained Mitch Johnson :
“We are careful [concernant Wembanyama et Devin Vassell]… It’s day to day. Hopefully they'll be back soon, but these are just minor glitches, I don't think they'll be gone for too long. They want to play anyway, that's for sure. »
The No. 1 in the 2023 Draft was initially announced as doubtful for the Thunder match, before finally being ruled out. Which is a pretty good sign. The Spurs will play their next match against the Jazz on the night of November 21 to 22. If Wembanyama were to miss this game, it would be his longest absence in the NBA. He always took great care of his body with impeccable lifestyle and attention to detail. When he returns, he will try to continue the momentum of his historic 50-point game, two days before his injury. With adjustments in the game, particularly in terms of his quantity of 3-points taken (13.7 taken on average over his last three games)?
