This time, there was no real debate.
The Spurs were beaten by the Orlando Magic on the night of Wednesday to Thursday (98-108), and unlike the defeat against Washington two days earlier, last night's defeat was not disputed.
There is a feeling of regression among the Texans, who seemed to have recovered by stringing together three wins in five games recently, but who have fallen back into their failings for two games.
“We are at a point in the season where we are at a low point in terms of form,” recognizes Victor Wembanyama, author of a solid performance in defense (6 blocks, 8 rebounds and a constant deterrent) but still effective. room for improvement in attack (21 points, 46% success rate and 2/5 from three points).
The young stars came ready to play!
🌟#PorVida |
@Spurs |
@BallySports 📺 pic.twitter.com/CM4JNjV5Z2
— Bally Sports San Antonio (@BallySportsSA) February 1, 2024
“It makes sense to have small drops,” he continues.
But you have to know how to compensate with something else and play intelligently rather than rushing.
» The Spurs gradually let up in the second and third quarters.
Their comeback at the end of the match, which saw them come back to 3 points 4 minutes from the end, was of no use.
San Antonio never seemed like it could compete physically.
Also read “Both deserve it”: between Wembanyama and Holmgren, the race for the rookie title rages in the NBA
“The Magic players are huge, tall, strong,” admires Gregg Popovich, the Spurs coach.
Their physique is impressive, as is the way they move.
They play the right way, they move the ball well and their defense is very aggressive.
We had to understand how to adapt, and sometimes we do it a little individually, when we should be tackling it more collectively.
»
Wemby alone Spurs at All-Star
Orlando, also a very young team, certainly also has more talent in its ranks: six players from the Florida team were chosen in one of the first seven places in the last Draft, including the number 1 of the 2022 edition ( Paolo Banchero).
In San Antonio, there's only one, and that's Wemby...
Vic's headed to Indy ✈️
Congrats @wemby on being selected to the 2024 #PaniniRisingStars Game!
pic.twitter.com/GOsQA72dNF
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 30, 2024
Victor Wembanyama will also be the only player on the squad present at the All-Star Game, scheduled for Indianapolis on the weekend of February 16/17/18.
He was selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge, the game of Rookies and Sophomores (NBA first and second years).
A pleasant surprise cannot be ruled out with today's announcement of the replacements for the All-Stars meeting, that of the best players in the championship.
“It’s a dream for everyone to participate in this weekend,” he tries to be positive, contrasting with his dejected expression after the defeat.
It's a chance to be part of it.
»He will find his former teammate among young people and with the Mets last year Bilal Coulibaly, who has been shining with the Washington Wizards since the start of the season.
The Spurs will continue with two games in a row, Friday and Saturday, both at home, against the New Orleans Pelicans then the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Victor Wembanyama should be able to take part in both, with playing time increasing little by little (30 minutes last night).