San Antonio Spurs talisman Victor Wembanyama returned to action after missing three matches and he was able to hit the ground running. The youngster did look a bit rusty in the early stages of the match but quickly turned a corner to get the job done for the Spurs.
As a result, the Spurs registered a 104-94 triumph over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. Wembanyama scored a game-high 25 points with 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 blocks.
“I thought he was a grown man in the fourth quarter,” Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson said of Wembanyama.
“I did find my rhythm physically,” Wembanyama said. “It was a little hard to come back in terms of conditioning in the first half. There’s a switch I’m trying to flip on demand. Strong catches, quick moves, not holding the ball, but also taking my time, taking shots with confidence, good feet and good preparation for the shot.”
The Spurs were trailing by 17 points with 1:55 left in the third quarter but they were able to get back into the game, thanks to Wembanyama.
“It was a good learning lesson of capturing and maintaining momentum when you’ve done enough to separate yourself,” Warriors guard Stephen Curry said.
Wembanyama scored 12 points, five assists and two blocks in the fourth quarter as he did the bulk of the lifting to get his team home.
“He embraces moments for sure,” Johnson said. “I thought his fundamentals, especially late tonight, were elite. When he does that, it’ll be scary to adjust to.”
Chris Paul said the young lad is always confident in his skillsets and showered praise on him for his impressive game.
“Vic’s confidence never wavers, and it’s so dope to see,” veteran point guard Chris Paul said. “He’s confident. He knows the next one’s going in. Vic was huge, just being his first game back. The defense, the shots. The plays that he made tonight were all winning plays. He’s an alien. He’s just so unique.”
The Spurs will next take on the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.