The San Antonio Spurs had been defeated 119-101 by the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday evening on the AT&T Middle, snapping a outstanding four-game win streak within the 2024-25 NBA season. Throughout the post-game press convention, Victor Wembanyama offered an sudden clarification for the loss.
“In the event you attempt to cheat the Basketball Gods, you don’t get rewarded,” Wembanyama stated. “There are moments within the recreation with completely different dynamics. Generally we have to push the ball, generally we have to make our opponents work more durable on protection. That steadiness is how we keep management of the sport,” he defined, discussing what the group might have finished otherwise to safe a greater consequence in opposition to the Lakers.
Regardless of the group’s efforts, Wembanyama recognized a vital issue within the loss. “We lacked physicality. Although the engagement was there and the need to do nicely, I believe possibly we didn’t concentrate on the appropriate issues—getting straightforward baskets and executing the appropriate performs.”
Wembanyama takes accountability
The French heart didn’t draw back from his personal position within the defeat, emphasizing: “I believe that is one thing collectively, and in addition myself.” Wembanyama additionally burdened that the Spurs can’t afford to loosen up in opposition to skilled groups just like the Lakers. “With out our fundamentals, our youth exhibits, and our opponents’ expertise exhibits much more.”
Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs scores in opposition to the Golden State Warriors within the second half at Frost Financial institution Middle on November 23, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
Victor Wembanyama completed as San Antonio’s main scorer within the recreation in opposition to the Lakers, posting 20 factors, together with a blinding feint and double transfer over LeBron James that had the gang on their ft. He additionally added 10 rebounds and two assists throughout his 33 minutes on the court docket.
A optimistic word for the Spurs
Regardless of the loss, Wembanyama did spotlight a optimistic takeaway: the return of Devin Vassell. “Feels good to have him again,” Victor stated when requested about his teammate’s return to the court docket. “For certain, it brings again some habits, and I’m nonetheless wanting ahead to increasing our recreation much more as soon as he will get all his minutes again.”
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Vassell, who had been sidelined with a left knee bone bruise, returned to motion after lacking the final 5 video games. He performed 21 minutes in opposition to the Lakers, contributing 14 factors, 3 rebounds, and 1 help. “It’s all the time good to have him. He opens up our flooring, too,” Wembanyama famous. “Offensively, I’m not educating him something. He’s a fantastic offensive participant.”
