Wemby says his ‘body feels great’
With a back-to-back scheduled this weekend, Spurs rookie star Victor Wembanyama declared that his “body feels great” after he posted his first NBA triple-double in Wednesday’s 130-108 win at Detroit.
Wembanyama finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in just 21 minutes after two off days following the Spurs’ 117-115 loss at Cleveland on Sunday.
The Spurs host Charlotte on Friday and Chicago on Saturday. In late December, Wembanyama missed the second game of a back-to-back in Portland after coach Gregg Popovich said the medical staff mandated that he sit out back-to-backs for a couple of weeks and remain on a minutes restriction as a precautionary move following a series of ankle injuries.
But with the Spurs finally starting to jell offensively and several winnable games on the horizon, Wembanyama acknowledged that there is increased urgency on his part to receive more minutes.
“It is something we watch on a daily basis, so the minutes restriction could be turned off like this,” Wembanyama said, snapping his fingers, “from one day to another. I know the state of my body, but I hope that when I get my treatment tomorrow or the day after, we can talk about limiting it or taking it off.”
Idea of game in Paris excites French rookie
Wembanyama reacted with excitement when told the Spurs reportedly have reached an agreement in principle to participate in a regular-season game in Paris next season.
Citing multiple sources, The Athletic reported the Spurs will be headed to the French capital, where Cleveland and Brooklyn were set to play Thursday.
The Athletic reported “no contracts have been finalized and the league’s front office could not confirm” its reporting. The Spurs did not respond to a request for comment from the Express-news.
“If it happens, I would feel very, very lucky,” Wembanyama said. “It is going to definitely be special. … It is probably going to one of the most intense and precious games in my life if that happens.”
Jones’ numbers stay consistent as starter
Wednesday’s game marked the third in a row point guard Tre Jones has started and his third straight with 10-plus points and 4-plus assists.
In that span, he’s averaging 15.7 points and 5.0 assists while shooting 63% from the field.
“You know it always feels good being able to get a start,” said Jones, who started 65 games in 2022-23 but didn’t get his first start this season until Jan. 4 due to Popovich’s desire to test out other lineups. “Growing up, it was always a dream of mine to be in this position, so I never take anything for granted.”
Spurs guard Devin Vassell said Jones is in full command as a floor general.
“He’s a true point guard,” Vassell said. “He’s looking up and he’s trying to find everybody. And when things are breaking down, he’s going to get to his floater, get to the basket. I’ve said it over and over. I love playing with Tre.”
Wemby’s pass late in loss praised by Pop
Popovich defended Wembanyama’s decision-making in crunch time of the 117-115 loss at Cleveland on Sunday.
With the Spurs trailing by the final score, Wembanyama received the ball inside the lane. But when a pair of defenders, including center Jarrett Allen, closed quickly on him, he opted to pass to Jeremy Sochan down low rather than attempt a shot. Rather than take a shot himself, Sochan committed a turnover while attempting to pass to the perimeter.
Some observers questioned Wembanyama’s decision, but Popovich said he made the “best basketball play.”
“Remember a guy named Lebron James?” Popovich said. “When he first came into the league, every time he shot it, they said he should have passed it. When he passed it, they said, ‘He didn’t have any guts. He didn’t shoot the shot. He didn’t want to win.’ Just silly, ignorant comments. So, it’s the same way with Victor.
“When he caught that ball, he could have gone up, but he had a wide-open guy right here at the rim, so he made the pass, so it’s not even a topic.”