Spurs Rookie Victor Wembanyama Going Viral for Reaction to Cavs Loss
San Antonio Spurs rookie star Victor Wembanyama said after Thursday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks that every game for the rest of this season will be a statement from him and the team.
The Spurs certainly showed that this could be the case after that gut-wrenching 125-121 loss to the Bucks before Sunday's 117-115 defeat to Cleveland Cavaliers. Two close losses to Eastern Conference contenders isn't anything to feel too frustrated about for a Spurs team that's still rebuilding.
Just don't tell that to Wembanyama.
© David Richard, USA TODAY
After the loss, cameras caught a stone-faced Wembanyama walking back to the locker room. Right before entering through the tunnel, the rookie let out a loud, expletive-led scream of frustration that clearly conveyed how he was feeling.
Take a look:
While another loss adds to what's been a frustrating season, this kind of reaction should light a fire in Spurs fans. Seeing the franchise star that emotional after a loss is exactly the kind of drive the team will need to eventually get back to winning championships.
Wembanyama has already shown he has a fiery will to win through his words, but his play late in games this season has reflected that as well. If not for some clutch blocks against Cleveland, the Spurs wouldn't have had a desperation chance to win at the final buzzer.
As San Antonio trailed 117-104 with 2:30 left in the fourth, Wemby helped spark what was nearly an improbable comeback. In the final two minutes, the Spurs put together an 11-0 run. Wembanyama had eight points, three rebounds, one assist and two blocks in that span.
He finished the game with 24 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and five blocks. The final spurt he put together was impressive, but was just a little too late, resulting in his frustrated reaction.
This season, Wembanyama is averaging 19.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and a league-leading 3.3 blocks per game. He and the Spurs (5-30) will take on the Detroit Pistons (3-33) at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday at 6 p.m. CT.
