For Victor Vembanyama, Magic didn’t want to play basketball

Unsure before meeting against magic because of his calf, Victor Vembanyama was well maintained in the middle, and the Spurs pivot was impressive with his 25 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks and 4 steals.

In particular, we will remember two incredible counterattacks in which he was trailing well before covering Anthony Black in the first half and then Jalen Suggs in the second. Two clean gestures that contrast with the physical, even “dirty” play of the Magic, like this big mark by Desmond Bain in the 4th quarter. It’s clear that Orlando wanted to spoil the match and Victor Wembanyama is content to keep his cool.

“I don’t think I was frustrated. I know they play like that because they don’t want to play basketball, more precisely. They don’t want to play a real basketball game.” explain “Wemby” at the press conference. “But our job on offense is to make it a basketball game, and that’s how we beat them. After that, it’s a game. It’s like that every night.”

“Endless Day”

It was also a very special meeting because of the five hour delay. Instead of returning to San Antonio on Saturday, the Spurs returned on Sunday, forcing the NBA to postpone the game.

“It’s been an endless day. We’ve been up since 6am Charlotte time and now it’s almost midnight.” smiles the Frenchmanbefore greeting the NBA organization. “It certainly wasn’t the best conditions, but still better than a lot of others… I’ve definitely had worse in my career. There were no excuses. We had to be ready tonight. Honestly, it doesn’t matter. I’ve seen a lot worse guards. I wasn’t there, but for example the team already played in San Antonio and then traveled a lot to Or. what we did today.

In passing, Victor Wembanyama credits the NBA and the Spurs for the overall organization of such a day. Players remain protected as much as possible.

“The big advantage in the NBA, and it goes both ways, is that the teams are very careful about it, as well as the players individually. Everything that the teams organize for the players on the road is very personalized. For me, when I get to the hotel, there is a suitcase with everything I need to sleep: maybe ten different things that the staff sets up as soon as we arrive. I have a lot of resources on the plane, I have a lot of resources for the NBA. a lot of strength to adapt to all situations, and even today everything was easier than elsewhere.” he can conclude so.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.