Victor Wembanjama and Spurs strong against Cooper Flagg’s Mavs

Spurs are consolidating theirs 2nd place in the West. After the victories against the Magic and the Thunder, the Texans achieved their third success in a row against the Mavs, in their most offensive matchup in the last few weeks (123-135).

The author of the excellent beginning of the match with three consecutive baskets for 3 points, Victor Vembanyamawho undoubtedly hasn’t forgotten his 40-point outing at the start of the season on the same floor, led the way with his 29 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks. And he was very well supported by 6 teammates with 12 points or more.

That was necessary to answer these Mavs who, despite their current collective poor form, held their own against their neighbours. Inevitably Cooper Flagg was again very productive with his 32 points (14/27 shooting), which is the same as his lieutenant on the night, Find Marshall.

The latter, having scored the same amount in penetration, mid-range or 3-point range, was already at 20 points at the break. But his team struggled to contain the opposing offensive armada so much that the Mavs returned to the locker room trailing by 11 points (63-74).

The Mavs are holding on to the money

The home team would catch up in the third quarter thanks to the rise of Flag, but also some benevolent actions of Max Christie. A one-possession game began at the start of the final period (96-99).

The guests regained the distance in a series of “six points”, when De’Aron Fox sanctioned a three-pointer in transition after a missed shot in the same context by Clay Thompson (105-112). And yet, by insisting on the opponent’s racket, Flegg and the others would still find a way to come back four minutes from the end (119-120).

But also forget Stephon Castle at the head of the racket that punished behind the arc. On the ensuing possessions, the Mavs did everything they could to get back in front, even if it meant forcing the 3-pointer a little too much, to no avail. Without panicking, the Spurs were able to complete their task at the free throw line. Then Castle signed a dunk in “dagger” mode after failing in transition ” Wemby ».

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Spurs composure in the final. So close, so far, the Mavs have learned a little lesson about time for money. With the deficit reduced to the narrowest of margins, the visitors made no mistakes in the final minutes, showing patience in attack, winning the whistle and seriousness in defence. We especially think of Vembanyama’s counter to Daniel Gafford who wanted to multiply the feints in front of him under the circle. Then, on a good shift by the French, two were made, to De’Aaron Fox in the corner for a 3-pointer a minute and a half from the end. So many gestures that made the difference in the last moments.

Cooper Flagg continues his streak. The Mavs rookie scored 32 points, extending his NBA record for most consecutive games with at least 30 points by a player his age. The 19-year-old joins Michael Jordan, Bernard King, Allen Iverson and Jaylen Green in a very exclusive circle of rookies who have scored at least 30 points in four straight games since the 1976 NBA-ABA merger.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.