Victor Wembanyama (19-FR) said he learned a new lesson against the Toronto Raptors.
Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs lost 116-123 in overtime to Toronto in their home opener of the NBA’s 2023-24 regular season at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, USA, on Saturday (February 6).
San Antonio led 54-35 at halftime and at one point had a 22-point lead, but they allowed the Raptors to tie the game at 110-110 in the fourth quarter before falling 123-116 in overtime.
Wembanyama didn’t explode for 38 points like he did against Phoenix, but he continued his stellar play with 12 points, six rebounds, and three blocks, including two three-pointers, in the first half alone.
Then, in the second half, Toronto switched its gameplan to not allowing Wembanyama the ball at all. Unable to provide much of an answer to the opponent’s strategy throughout the third and fourth quarters, Wembanyama found some blood in his veins in overtime, scoring the team’s first four points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a loss. His final line was 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and five blocks. However, his presence on defense was still military-like.
When interviewed after the game, Wembanyama was asked how he felt about the loss, he simply replied, “I knew that a 20-point lead in the NBA doesn’t mean anything.” 보스토토
Wembanyama, who came to the NBA after dominating the French league, has been impressing since his debut against Phoenix. But the learning curve will continue for the immensely talented Wembanyama, who experienced his first overtime loss in the NBA.
“He can change the course of a game,” said Toronto’s Scottie Barnes, who witnessed his play firsthand.
Meanwhile, San Antonio is now 3-3 on the road, with a back-to-back against the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 7.