Despite another defeat for the San Antonio Spurs against the Boston Celtics on Sunday night (134-101), Victor Wembanyama once again shone as an individual. As well as a very solid stat line, the Frenchman graced us with a completely crazy image.
Victor Wembanyama in glider mode. Beaten by Boston on Sunday night (134-101), the San Antonio Spurs player ended 2023 with another defeat, his 27th in 32 games played since the start of the season. Helpless against the Celtics armada, current leaders of the Eastern Conference (and with the best record in the NBA at 26 wins to 6 losses), the No.1 player in the last draft nevertheless made his mark.
On a counter-attack, the 2.22m inside player took off from about a metre out from the free-throw line. With 21 points and 7 rebounds in just 24 minutes of play, Wembanyama flew over Derrick White and delicately deposited the ball in the circle.
“He took off and I never saw him again”
The Celtics point guard, despite being one of the most solid and clever defenders in the league, couldn’t do anything. “I’m not an idiot (laughs). I was hoping he’d do one more dribble and steal the ball from him,” said the Frenchman’s victim after the game. But he took off and I never saw him again. So I just tried to get out of the way. I thought he’d do one more dribble… It was crazy.”
In the same game, Wembanyama, despite being limited in terms of playing time due to a recent ankle injury, also showed off his skills with a reverse alley-oop (a backwards dunk after a team-mate’s pass), which is pretty crazy for a player of his size.
Despite another solid performance from an individual point of view, Wembanyama was unable to prevent his team’s defeat. After just over two months in the competition, Spurs are still bottom of the Western Conference and go into 2024 hoping for better days.
“New Year’s resolutions? No, that’s not really my style,” said Wembanyama at the post-match press conference. I make resolutions every week. Especially in this job, where you face new challenges every other day.
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