Spurs React to Victor Wembanyama Career Night
The San Antonio Spurs are celebrating after a 122-99 victory against the Toronto Raptors on Monday night at Scotiabank Arena.
It was a career night for No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama, who recorded his first career triple-double with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks. He became just the sixth rookie in NBA history to record a triple-double with blocks.
"For some reason, we felt great today," Wembanyama said postgame. "Had some rhythm. Started the game strong. I guess it's just the NBA. We have ups and downs. It's just days when you feel like it. We got to play off of this as well."
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Wembanyama also earned the respect and praise from his coach Gregg Popovich, who joined in the choir of giving the No. 1 overall pick his flowers.
"He did a little bit of everything," Popovich said. "Obviously, he's (Wembanyama) an all-around talented player. Has a great feel for the game. It shows in a variety of ways. Whether it's passing or making decisions, blocking shots, it doesn't matter."
But even with the individual accolades, it couldn't have been done without Wembanyama's teammates, who did their parts alongside their rookie star to help seal the win.
"I feel like we fed off of Vic (Wembanyama) and we came out on both ends of the floor," Devin Vassell said. "Knocking down threes, blocking shots. He was just all over the place. Passing the ball. He was really carrying us through the first quarter. Jeremy (Sochan) was playing tremendous defense going against Scottie (Barnes).
"The way we were all together just on the defensive end and getting out and running was huge. It just shows when we're playing together like that, we're just connected and making shots and getting stops we can be a great team."
The win on Monday night was a glimpse into what things could look like for the Spurs when everything clicks. That can't be the case every night given the state of the roster around Wembanyama, but once his teammates catch up, San Antonio will once again be a problem for the rest of the NBA.
The Spurs are back in action tomorrow night against the Dallas Mavericks. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.
