Spurs' Accountability Lessons Continue in Recent Loss to Timberwolves
The San Antonio Spurs dropped their fifth straight game on Tuesday night, falling to the first-place Minnesota Timberwolves, 114-105. The Spurs lost the turnover battle and were never able to keep the game close.
Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson led the way with 21 and 20 points, respectively. Victor Wembanyama posted 17 points, 13 rebounds, and six stocks, which is quickly becoming the norm for him.
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Developing Wembanyama and the team around him has been the focus point all season, but Wemby is not invincible to harsh punishments when he makes boneheaded plays.
Zach Collins was sent to the bench earlier in the season after a series of turnovers, and Johnson was also told to hit the showers after a quick foul against the Utah Jazz. Wembanyama had his moment on Tuesday.
Under a minute played in the second half, Wembanyama turned the ball over and then allowed Anthony Edwards to skate to the basket for an easy two points. He was quickly benched and did not return to the game for roughly five minutes.
He immediately turned the ball over again but finished the second half with nine points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. He missed more often than he made, but only turned the ball over twice.
"We were being held accountable for our mistakes," said Wembanyama about being benched. This is the only way to get better. We have to make those mistakes to get better, but the quicker, the better."
Sometimes Gregg Popovich just needs a few minutes to chew off his star rookie's ear.
When Johnson was benched in the last game against the Jazz, he followed his four-minute dud up with 20 points shooting 5-for-11 from three. If Wembanyama can put together a good game in the return home against the Oklahoma City Thunder, expect him to increase the gap between him and Chet Holmgren in the Rookie of the Year race.
