Wemby and the Spurs answered the physical challenge of the Rockets

THE Spurs they gain supremacy over Rockets in the fourth quarter of this Texas derby. Ime Udoka players are having a hard time finding good shots, and Kevin Durant is trying Stephen Castlewho resists his multiple shoulder shots, until the end of the possession. The two-time Finals MVP eventually grows but Victor Vembanyama he scores his friend’s good defense with a big counter.

San Antonio’s “Zone 51” made a difference on defense, especially thanks to Mitch Johnson’s defensive turnover. The selector thus changed the duels during the match, in order to place “Vembi” on Amen Thompson so that the Frenchman would stay close to the circle and thus best play his role as a scarecrow in the second curtain.

“Victor is a deterrent at the basket and that’s where (Amen) Thompson does the most damage” explains the coach about his choice. “That means Victor is close to the basket … even if guys are penetrating, he’s there.

But his impact also depends on the work done by his teammates on the perimeter, especially Stephon Castle. “It’s also the work that all the other players have done that has allowed Victor to have such an impact.” reminds the coach. “He didn’t have to chase a bunch of other moves or guys.”

“All-Defensive” performance for Stephon Castle

Dominating the first half, Spurs gathered in the locker room. How? “We just stopped being soft” answers the reigning “Rookie of the Year”. “Not our team.” Apparently there were a few shenanigans at halftime. “It was just to sort it out, nobody in our locker room takes things personally … it was just to help out.”

Physically controlled by the Pelicans, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs had to respond against the Rockets, a team with their trademark physical punch.

“You have to match the physical strength of this team or they will crush you” reminds Mitch Johnson. “And if we don’t stoop to their level, we will be humiliated.” Victor Vembanyama confirms this : “It’s a compliment that people don’t like to play against them … it’s just the style of basketball they play.”

So San Antonio raised the tone, especially the Castle/Wemby duo. The Frenchman notes that his 15 free throws won are a sign of his aggressiveness, while Mitch Johnson also praises the performance of his backs.

“Defense has to be his trademark and it really is his trademark” concludes the coach. “It was his first defensive performance worthy of an All-Defensive player. He can be an All-Defensive player when he focuses his energy and attention on the right aspects of the game.”

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