The San Antonio Spurs secured a 111-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, and it was their star rookie, Victor Wembanyama, leading the way once again.
The tall Frenchman had 17 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, including the crucial stop against Herb Jones in the final moments of the game, but the fact that he had nine assists caught the eye since it’s the most he’s had in a game since January.
To the whole team’s credit, the San Antonio Spurs compiled 34 assists, their franchise-record 42nd game this campaign with at least 30, something that Victor Wembanyama pointed out during the postgame interview.
From the start of the game, Victor Wembanyama was being double-teamed by the New Orleans Pelicans, but he displayed his versatility by showcasing his playmaking ability.
“It’s a (facilitating) role I knew I always had in me, really, but it’s been hard, being young, obviously,” Wembanyama said via the Associated Press. “I’m glad how we’re developing. I can’t be a complete player if I don’t make my teammates better. If it shows up in assists, that’s great.”
Victor Wembanyama praised for his elite playmaking
Victor Wembanyama was the top overall pick in last summer’s NBA Draft because he can do anything he wants on the basketball court with his unique physical attributes and skills. He has been a menace on both ends this season, averaging 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.5 blocks per contest.
But while his finishing, three-point shooting, and rim protection often stand out as far as his skill set is concerned, his ability to facilitate for his teammates gets overlooked, which is what Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone pointed out on Tuesday.
“Everybody talks about the blocks, the dunks, the 3s. The last 5 games he’s averaging almost 6 assists per game. And really good passes. You can tell he’s got a flair, understands how to play & can make his teammates better,” Malone said about Wembanyama via Tom Orsborn on X (formerly known as Twitter).
With five regular-season games left, Victor Wembanyama has a few more chances to show why he’s the pick to win this season’s Rookie of the Year award and maybe the Defensive Player of the Year award.
