Victor Wembanyama sat slouched in front of his locker after the San Antonio Spurs loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 3rd. Instead of facing the media at the podium, he opted to address them right from his locker.
Though he managed to score 19 points during the game, it came with a 5-of-16 shooting performance. The Spurs had been through a grueling stretch, playing their seventh game in 11 nights, marking their final home game before embarking on their annual Rodeo road trip, keeping them away from San Antonio until February 29th. It seemed evident that the demands of the lengthy NBA season were taking a toll on Wembanyama.
Despite Wembanyama’s professional experience in France, where he played in only 34 regular-season games the previous season, the loss to the Cavaliers marked his 44th game as an NBA player. However, Wembanyama attributed his sluggishness to allergies, insisting that his body was not accustomed to such exertion, which was impacting his immune system.
Sporting a hoodie pulled over his head, Wembanyama downplayed concerns about his condition, mentioning that allergies typically subsided within a couple of days. When the Spurs hit the court again three days later in Miami to commence their road trip, Wembanyama displayed a better performance, scoring 18 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.
However, his form fluctuated in subsequent games. Despite facing questions about hitting a rookie wall, Wembanyama silenced critics with a stellar performance against the Toronto Raptors, showcasing 27 points, 14 rebounds, and a career-high 10 blocks in a decisive win.
Since then, Wembanyama has embarked on one of his best stretches of the season, notwithstanding an ankle injury that sidelined him for two games. He aims to conclude the season strongly, both individually and as part of the team.
As the season progressed, Wembanyama’s shooting improved notably, particularly from beyond the arc. While initially struggling, shooting 25.0% from 3-point range in his first 21 NBA games, he has since elevated his game, shooting 40.9% on 3s since the start of February.
Furthermore, Wembanyama’s defensive prowess has been on display, with his block numbers escalating as the Spurs adjusted their defensive strategy to accommodate his presence. His contributions have been instrumental in the team’s defensive efforts, notably in limiting opponents’ scoring.
Despite battling minor injuries throughout the season, Wembanyama remains committed to his team’s cause. Despite the Spurs’ challenging season, he is determined to finish on a positive note and aims to surpass their previous season’s record, highlighting his unwavering dedication to the team’s success.
