Houston Rockets to Receive First Regular Season Look at San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama
SAN ANTONIO — The Houston Rockets received a small sample size of French phenom Victor Wembanyama on Oct. 18.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft played 20 minutes and finished with 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks, which led to the San Antonio Spurs recording a 117-103 home preseason victory over the Rockets.
Nine days later, Houston will receive a more significant dose of Wembanyama. The Rockets will try to avoid their second consecutive 0-2 start Friday night in the first regular season match against Wembanyama and the Spurs.
"He is talented," Jae'Sean Tate said. "For a guy to be that big and as skilled as he is, it is something you do not come across. Once he gets a little bit of weight on him, I think he is going to be a big problem in the league."
The Rockets began the night with Tate guarding the 7-foot-4 big man. But due to coach Ime Udoka's switching scheme, Jabari Smith Jr. had his chance to go head-to-head against Wembanyama.
Due to his size, Smith said he had to be physical. The results led to Wembanyama shooting 3-of-10 from the field while nailing two 3-pointers. Wembanyama's length came into play by converting a one-handed slam over the top of Smith early in the third quarter.
Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate shoots in front of San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) in the second half at the Frost Bank Center.
Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
The Rockets and Spurs did not play their respective rotations simultaneously. As a result, the two-game preseason series could be taken with a grain of salt.
But Smith believes the exhibition contest gave the Rockets a leg up on developing a defensive game plan on how to defend Wembanyama for the regular season.
"I am glad I got a chance to play him in preseason because a lot of people do not get to experience that length to get that head start."
"It's something that you don't see every game. He's tall. And with his ability to shoot the ball, you can't contest it. You have to do your work early, be physical and try to make it tough on him."
Wembanyama's performance against the Rockets was similar to his official debut against the Dallas Mavericks.
Wednesday night, Wembanyama finished with 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field, 3-for-5 from behind the arc, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in the Spurs' 126-119 loss to the Mavericks.
"We want to get back to what we did in those five games, and we were good on him," Udoka said. "Last game, we have some guys that sat out there we'll get a chance to guard him as well."
