As the basketball world anticipates what they they’ll see from Victor Wembanyama in his first appearance in the NBA Playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs‘ generational talent, himself, is filled with emotion.
“We’re so excited,” Wemby admitted. “It’s becoming more real, more and more real that we are actually going to play in the playoffs. I’m excited to play in high stakes games again.”
The proud franchise’s first trip to the second season in six years also doubles as their phenom’s first foray into the part of the year where the game’s greats solidify their legends.
Victor Wembanyama’s bruised rib appears fine
The rib contusion the 7-foot-5 center sustained vs. the Philadelphia 76ers toward the beginning of the final week of the regular season seems like it occurred a month ago instead of a week ago.
After missing a game (coincidentally, against the Portland Trial Blazers whom the Spurs will now face in the first round), Wemby returned four days later in a victory vs. the Dallas Mavericks.
“I tried to protect it as much as possible while being respectful of the game, you know?” Wembanyama said when asked how much the rib proved an issue. “But it was okay. It didn’t bother me that much, just a few times where it was a specific movement or specific hit where, yeah, it was painful.”
By playing 26 minutes that night, the MVP candidate officially became eligible for that award and cemented his place as the overwhelming favorite for the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.
“Yeah, we would’ve capped at 20 minutes, yeah,” Wemby admitted when asked if his playing time would’ve been limited to the minimum 20 minutes necessary that night to qualify for postseason honors.
Wemby appreciates progression on way to playoffs
After several years of professional ball in his native France, Wembanyama entered the NBA at 19 years old. Heralded as the game’s best and biggest (in more ways than one) prospect since LeBron James – maybe ever – the now two-time All-Star looks back at the his first three regular seasons with a sense of reflection.
“I’ve kept growing as a person. Learning things in life, in a career.”
After having to miss the last two and a half months of last season with blood clots in his right shoulder, Wemby rebounded with his best statistical season. More importantly, his 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, 3.1 assists and steal per game not only continued, but served as a catapult for, a Spurs resurgence.
As a rookie. Wembanyama’s team lost 62 games. They just capped a year in which they won 62.
“Yeah, I love that fact,” the Le Chesnay native admitted.
“I’m still not point five hundred in my career,” he continued. “But we’ll have time to make that happen. I’m sure it’ll be happening soon enough.
What was our record last year?” Wemby then asked.
When ClutchPoints responded 34-48, the 2023 first overall draft pick’s response proved as quick as it was decisive.
“Let’s beat that next year.”
Of course. the Spurs aren’t done with this year. To which, Wembanyama has another declaration as San Antonio starts the playoffs with the league’s second best record.
“I think we’re ready.”
As the basketball world anticipates what they they’ll see from Victor Wembanyama in his first appearance in the NBA Playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs’ generational talent, himself, is filled with emotion. “We’re so excited,” Wemby admitted. “It’s becoming more real, more and more real that we are actually going to play in the playoffs.