Last season, the San Antonio Spurs had a dismal 22-60 season, but were later rewarded with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, taking star rookie Victor Wembanyama. At seven feet and four inches in height, the French player was the obvious first pick. Wembanyama is widely considered to be one of the best prospects to ever declare for the NBA draft.
Many believe that the Spurs drafted a player who will not only be a keystone in the future but can also help them win in the current season. Because of Wembanyama, the city of San Antonio has more optimism around the Spurs than they had in previous seasons.
The Spurs began their season last Wednesday at Frost Bank Center when they hosted their in-state rival, the Dallas Mavericks. The Spurs, backed by an energized crowd, jumped to a 43-36 lead to end the first quarter. San Antonio maintained the lead at halftime, but it started to slip.
Eventually, the Mavericks took the lead, leading to an exciting final few minutes. The Spurs trailed 112-111 with less than five minutes remaining until Wembanyama scored a basket to give San Antonio a one-point lead.
Dallas would strike back to take the lead, but Wembanyama buried a jump shot to tie the game at 115 a piece. This effort would not prove to be enough as the Mavericks iced the game with the help of their star player, Luka Dončić. Dallas won 126-119, with Dončić finishing with 33 points in the game. Wembanyama finished with 15 points and five rebounds in his debut.
The Spurs played their next game last Friday against their other in-state rival, the Houston Rockets. Unlike their previous game against Dallas, the Spurs were trailing for most of the game. However, San Antonio was able to rally, outscoring the Rockets by seven points in the fourth quarter and forcing the game to overtime tied at 111.
Victor Wembanyama played a large part in the Spurs’ comeback. Houston forced a Spurs turnover with just over two minutes remaining in regulation, up 107-104. A basket would have put the Rockets up two scores, but they were unable to convert due to Wembanyama blocking not one but two shots. Wembanyama also scored the tying basket with 21 seconds remaining.
In overtime, San Antonio outscored Houston 15 to 11 en route to their first victory of the season. Wembanyama scored 21 points and got 12 rebounds to earn his first career double-double (two statistical categories in double-digits).
While Wembanyama’s play has not been exceptional, he has shown encouraging signs for Spurs fans. His performance improved from one game to the next, and he showed up at key moments in both games.
Even though Wembanyama has room for growth, Spurs fans have already embraced him as their own, chanting “Wemby” in the stands. Boos rained down in Frost Bank Center when Wembanyama was subbed off, and fans applauded anytime Wembanyama entered the game.
Wembanyama’s arrival has given the city of San Antonio hope for its only sports franchise. The Spurs have not made the NBA postseason since 2019, and while the Spurs are not projected to make the playoffs this season, the fans of San Antonio are hoping for a return to the postseason in the near future.
Potential photo if we need more stuff
