Kristaps Porzingis' Strong Statement on Victor Wembanyama After Celtics-Spurs

Star big man Kristaps Porzingis gave Victor Wembanyama his props after the Boston Celtics win

Matt Guzman | Feb 12, 2025

Feb 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) defends San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the fourth quarter at the TD Garden. / Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

In this story:

Entering Wednesday night's matchup, the San Antonio Spurs knew a tall task awaited them.

Facing the reigning NBA Champion-Boston Celtics, Victor Wembanyama likely needed an incredibly strong outing on both ends to give his team a chance at pulling a victory, even with De'Aaron Fox in the lineup. But while he played well, it still wasn't quite enough.

San Antonio fell short 116-103, and the 21-year-old finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and a pair of blocks. Win or not, he impressed Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis with his abilities.

Kristaps Porzingis on Victor Wembanyama: “The impact that he has on the defensive end, just with his length and his wingspan is, like, historic. We haven’t seen this.” pic.twitter.com/6knLFMEF8j
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) February 13, 2025

"The impact that he has on the defensive end, just with his length and his wingspan is, like, historic," Porzingis said. "We haven’t seen this.”

San Antonio struggled with physicality for most of the game. It was out-rebounded by 18 even with Wembanyama down low, adding a further need for a big man to play behind its star. Luckily for the young team, a few days of rest await.

Feb 10, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks the ball during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images / Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

"Our physicality, or lack thereof, to start the game, was apparent," Mitch Johnson admitted. "They make shots regardless ... we just didn't get any pressure on the rim."

Wembanyama, Chris Paul, and Stephon Castle will head to San Francisco for the 2026 NBA All-Star Break, while the rest of the Spurs will remain home.

After the break, San Antonio will get two quasi-home games in Austin at the Moody Center against the Suns and Pistons.

De'Aaron Fox, Victor Wembanyama Spearhead Spurs' New Era

Breaking Down San Antonio Spurs After NBA Trade Deadline

How Spurs' Stephon Castle Proved De'Aaron Fox Right

Published Feb 12, 2025

MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

Related Articles