Victor Wembanyama Impresses NBA Fans Despite Spurs’ Loss to Jayson Tatum, Celtics
Erin WalshJanuary 18, 2024
Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Victor Wembanyama’s first visit to TD Garden didn’t go as he had hoped.
Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics took down Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs 117-98 on Wednesday night to extend their home record to 20-0 and their NBA-best record to 32-9.
Wembanyama had a solid performance despite the loss, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block in 27 minutes.
However, it should be noted that Kristaps PorziĆÄŁis didn’t play due to knee soreness and the Celtics most often stuck bench players Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta on Wembanyama. It’s worth wondering how the Frenchman would have faired against a tougher defender in PorziĆÄŁis.
That said, Wembanyama has been on a minutes restriction, and what he was able to accomplish on Wednesday night in Boston was nothing short of impressive.
Wembanyama’s performance on Wednesday night generated some well-earned praise from NBA fans as he notched 25-plus points for the third straight game:
Deuceâïž @deuceedeuceeWemby is different
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBAWemby just made a left-handed running banker off the wrong foot.
Dude is unreal.
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbachSometimes you watch Wemby and see him getting pushed around and making awkward plays and question the hype and then you look up and he has 21 points in 19 minutes.
Joey đ @AssassinateHateWemby is H1M
Prop Bomb đïž @PropBombWhat Victor Wembanyama is doing right now in his limited minutes is unprecedented.
PJ Hoops @RealPjHoopsVictor Wembanyama going one on one is so ridiculous! Bro is legit playing like a guard at 7ft 5 đ
uge @corpusssssswembanyama was indeed already the greatest player on his team, by far as a ROOKIEđ€Łđ€Ł
đ°đȘ @LaLemarrrThis is def Wemby’s team the difference between now and 2 months ago is crazy
Carter @cleubankWemby top 20 player already
While the Spurs, now 7-33 on the season, continue to plummet in the Western Conference standings, Wembanyama has been a bright spot for the franchise as he provides a glimmer of hope and a glimpse into what the future may look like.
The 2023 No. 1 overall pick is having a solid rookie season. He entered Wednesday’s game averaging 19.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.2 blocks in 34 games while shooting 45.9 percent from the floor and 29.2 percent from deep.
Wembanyama is firmly in the Rookie of the Year race alongside Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren, and he still has the second half of the season to prove why he deserves the honor.
