A year after his venous thrombosis, Victor Vembanyama and Spurs have changed the dimension

It was a year ago to the day. THE Spurs announced that venous thrombosis was diagnosed in Victor Vembanyamathus promptly ending the season of a man who had just experienced his first All-Star game.

Coincidentally with the calendar, San Antonio also continued against Phoenix. Except that “Wembi” did not manage to go through the domestic part of the season. A year later, the French giant was there to help his team takeout in Austinand thus consolidated its second place in the West (39 wins – 16 losses). As a reminder, the Spurs were in 12th place (23-29) in their conference last year when their leader’s season ended…

“It was a really sad time.”recalls Mitch Johnson, the Spurs coach, when asked about the moment Victor Wembanyama’s problem was identified. “There was so much uncertainty. We didn’t even talk about basketball at first. We talked about health. We talked about wellness. It was a tough time for us. It wasn’t long since we got De’Aaron back, and I think they played five games together.”

Enthusiasm over the arrival of De’Aaron Fox quickly gave way to anxiety about “Aliens,” because it was his career that was at stake.

“My right arm was only 5% irrigated”

“I feel less tired as the season goes on” “Wemby” explains. “Whereas last year I was getting more and more tired. I remember last year’s All-Star Game was the worst time I’ve ever felt on the basketball court in my life. Because my right hand was only about 5% hydrated, so that explains a lot. This year I obviously feel a lot better.”

Because one year later he is back on the field, stronger than ever. And the Spurs have reached a turning point with him…

“There have been a lot of changes in one year, both from an individual and a collective point of view. As a team we obviously have more expectations, we are fighting for something. Every match from now on will be important. And then I believe that there is no better way to grow than when my back is against the wall. And when I look back 365 days, I feel that I have done everything that I could not improve and the situation in my team is happy. There is still a lot of room for improvement. But this year was very difficult, but worthwhile that.

What to aim for the title this year?

“Of course I’m playing for the title” concludes Victor Vembanyama. “History shows that the title is almost always won by the teams that are in first and second place at the end of the regular season. So we are clear candidates, we are clearly in the race for the title. But nothing replaces experience in the playoffs. We are eager to learn, we are eager to know how it will go. But what is certain is that we will be ready at the end of April.

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.