By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
French star Victor Wembanyama made a impressive return from injury, coming off the bench to score 22 points and grab nine rebounds in a big win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The San Antonio Spurs are now in the NBA Cup final, set to face the New York Knicks.
After the game, Wembanyama spoke about the decision to not start, which allowed him to stay on the floor longer in the fourth quarter.
“My thoughts before the game were that in this kind of game, you just have to make things happen no matter the conditions. And this was just a slight detail—I could do just fine with three quarters. I didn’t even have to ask myself this question. Looking back, I think it was a good formula. It was a good system to do it like this, and I just tried to make the most out of it,” Wembanyama said in postgame press conference.
He was also asked about the Sixth Man of the Year award and what it’s like to come off the bench.
“I’ve thought about it, I’m not going to lie. Am I still eligible? I am? Can you be the Sixth Man and the MVP?”
With the team now healthy, Wembanyama reflected on what he and his teammates can accomplish in the future and in the upcoming games.
“I think it’s our first time playing everybody. My thoughts are just that we’re already a solid team from more than 20 games ago. It’s just experience. We’re figuring it out. The difference between us and this team, which is 24-2, is that we haven’t had this many reps recognizing what it takes and enjoying what it takes to win. This is our next step, because the OKC team isn’t just first in the league—they’re way ahead of everybody. When you watch them, no matter who is on the court, they play the same way. They enjoy the little things that make them win. This is the next step we have to pass.”
Despite being out for a while, Wembanyama enjoyed seeing his teammates improve during his absence.
“It’s incredible because I’ve seen these guys for the last 12 games get better, do beautiful things, and I just wanted to be part of it. I’m glad we can still do it when I’m here. I have no doubt, but I’m just glad to be part of something beautiful and pure—basketball.”
Wembanyama also reflected on the lessons the team is learning through wins and losses and how it contributes to their growth over the season.
“It’s hard, but we’re on the right path. For the first time in my career, we’re winning much more than we’re losing. It’s a lot of pleasure because it doesn’t feel normal when we lose. But these are things we have to go through, and we will in the future if needed,” Victor Wembanyama concluded.