Wemby's emotional, game-winning performance against the Clippers ignites a firestorm, exposing critics to a young star's raw passion and the Spurs' incredible comeback streak.
The San Antonio Spurs on Friday found themselves an emotional 116-112 win over the LA Clippers ... And found themselves some trolls, too.
On this second night of a back-to-back, San Antonio overcame a monstrous 25-point deficit to continue its hot streak. The Spurs' record since Feb. 1 is a league-best 14-1. ... and they poured their hearts into this one.
"I've got zero left right now," said young star Victor Wembanyama, who said during an ESPN postgame interview that he was "about to pass out."
"That was one of the best wins," he added. "That was one of the best games, best parts of my career, my basketball life."
The challenge brought out the best in the French sensation Wembanyama, who scored a team-high 27 points (with 10 rebounds and four blocks), including the go-ahead dunk with 16 seconds remaining in the home game.
"That was probably the last (fast break) I had in my body," said Wembanyama.
All of it was so powerful that Wemby was in tears after the outcome ... Which pushed an assortment of internet trolls to make fun of the leader of this 46-17 club, which had just beaten the contending Detroit Pistons the night before.
It's all a bit twisted; we so often criticize athletes for "going through the motions'' - which can certainly happen over the course of a demanding 82-game season - but then we poke fun at them for doing the opposite?
Spurs fans, though, get it. They booed ex-San Antonio star Kawhi Leonard every time he touched the ball (but he still scored a game-high 30 points with nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.)
And they cheered Wemby.
That, concluded Wembanyama, was "the best 30 hours of basketball" of his life. ... and we fully understand that, tears and all.
Two wins and lots of emotion to fuel them.