The San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the first game of the Rodeo Road Trip, and Victor Wembanyama dominated, breaking a 35-year streak.
To kick off the Rodeo Road Trip, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, 136-108. LeBron James didn't play for the Lakers, although it's hard to argue that it would have made much of a difference.
One gem after Stephon Castle posted a 40-point, 12 rebound, 12 assists trip[le double for the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama followed up with a masterclass of his own, scoring 40 points to go with 12 boards. The amazing part? He did it in 26 minutes,
It was the first time since Sleepy Floyd in 1991 that a player posted 40 points in under 27 minutes. Wembanyama shot four-of-six from deep. 65% from the field, and made ten free throws.
Wembanyama Demands 'Greed'
After Castle's masterclass against the Dallas Mavericks, where Wembanyama only scored 16 points, he explained that he doesn't care which player commands the game, as long as someone steps up and the Spurs win.
Of course, he enters every game hoping he will be the guy to lead the way, but if he isn't, so be it. Winning is more important.
Against the Lakers, he was willing to do whatever it took to win, and he set the tone early, going off for 25 points in the first quarter alone, and the Spurs never came close to giving up their early lead.
"In every game, you have to have this greed, you know, to want more every time," said Wembanyama. "Because, you know, at all times, it doesn't matter who's on the court. There's somebody who's going to want to stop you from doing what you're doing out there. So you've got to be greedy."
To Wembanyama, "greedy" doesn't mean what it might to an AAU star. He is not against passing, or ball movement, or passing up his shot for a teammate's better shot. It's a competitive greed, where he wants to demoralize his opponent every chance he can get.
Against a contender like the Lakers, sending a statement was key, and the Spurs have continued to establish themselves as the best team in the Western Conference, boasting winning records against top teams like the Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets.
The Spurs won't have time to rest, as their road trip continues on Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors.