Victor Wembanyama showcased a two-way masterclass against the Milwaukee Bucks, and he credits his ability to take advantage of brewing momentum.
After losing two games in a row, the San Antonio Spurs returned to the Frost Bank Center on Thursday night, taking on the Milwaukee Bucks. Thanks in large part to holding Giannis Antetokounmpo to only 21 points, the Spurs cruised to a 119-101 win in front of their home crowd.
For those of you keeping track, bald Wemby is undefeated. He posted 22 points and ten rebounds, making a remarkable five of his six shots from deep.
Victor Wembanyama brought the house down with a two-handed block on Ryan Rollins before hitting a trailing 3, assited from Stephon Castle. For Wembanyama, hitting a big-time shot after a block is a point of pride.
Victor Wembanyama Credits 'Heat Checks'
Between his devotion to the Jackals fan club, his drum-pounding routine, and his clear hype for big-time plays, it's safe to say that Wembanyama believes in building on momentum.
Against the Bucks, it seemed to be one shot after another he was raining in. He simply couldn't miss, and he was eager to turn defensive success into points on the other end of the court.
"It is a real thing, momentum and heat checks," said Wembanyama after the game. "And that goes for both sides of the court. But there's also the reality that most often when I block a guy's shot, I have the ball in my hands. And the defense is not ready. It's not prepared. That's just levery farst break. The defense often doesn't have time to match up again, so spaces open up more. And if I have the ball in my hand and I'm in the shooting area, it's going up."
Fans might remember his opening-night masterclass against the Dallas Mavericks, where he swatted a Dereck Lively II shot before dancing against him on the perimeter, drilling a step-back 3-pointer. It's those types of plays that get Wembanyama going, and when the Spurs' best player is feeling unstoppable, a win is a given.
The Spurs have a day off before they host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a search for revenge. If the Spurs are to steal a win against the physical Wolves, they will need Wembanyama to enter the game oozing confidence. After their most recent win, that shouldn't be a problem.