Victor Wembanyama delivered a great performance on the night of Thursday to Friday to offer a prestigious victory to the San Antonio Spurs against Oklahoma City (132-118). The French phenomenon sealed the end of the match with a terrible counterattack against Chet Holmgren, his main rival in the race for the title of best rookie of the year.
There are actions that change seasons and even careers. A bit like LeBron James against Golden State when he stopped Andre Iguodala and allowed Cleveland to win Game 7 of the NBA Finals in 2016, Victor Wembanyama released an exceptional counter this week against Chet Holmgren during the success of the Spurs against Oklahoma City (132-118). The kind of moment that could count when deciding between the two players for the title of best rookie of the year.
On the night of Thursday to Friday, when he had just scored a three-point basket in the money time, “Wemby” ended OKC’s comeback dreams. After a mano a mano throughout the meeting between him and Chet Holmgren, the Frenchman deprived his rival of the basket of hope two minutes from the end of the match. If the American tried to unbalance him with his speed, Victor Wembanyama blocked the shot when the ball had just left his rival’s hands.
Holmgren ended up sitting on the ground
Taller than his rival (2.24m against 2.16m), Victor Wembanyama seemed to be double when countering Chet Holmgren. Even stronger, the interior tricolor recovered the ball in stride while the Thunder’s hope found himself with his buttocks on the ground on the floor. The video of this sequence relayed on the NBA’s social networks has already reached 750,000 views (only via the official account) in the space of a few hours.
Even legend Shaquille O’Neal was impressed and shared the spectacular moment.
Above all, after this phenomenal counter, Victor Wembanyama ended a series of five defeats for the Spurs thanks to his new remarkable performance concluded with 28 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 blocks.
“I feel like it’s over.”
After the meeting, Devin Vassell was enthusiastic about his young teammate, more than ever the favorite for the title of best rookie of the year.
“I have the feeling that it’s over,” said Victor Wembanyama’s partner quoted by ESPN. “Night after night, the things he does and the impact he has on both ends of the floor… Big shot, big block. Either way, it doesn’t feel like it’s is a rookie. The shots he takes, the confidence he has in his game is second to none.”
If the results still favor Chet Holmgren, second in the Western Conference with Oklahoma City, it is “Wemby” who ignites the crowds with his classy actions.
And last night, the Frenchman left his mark and perhaps ended the suspense in his long-distance duel with the Thunder. But the main person concerned humbly assured the opposite “because there are still 22 matches left”. It’s up to Victor Wembanyama, therefore, to finish the job.