Even the sixth man, Victor Vembanyama, disgusts the Hawks

Without a recovering Trae Young, the Hawks were still hoping to get off to a positive start to their home run. But in front of the face Spurs in full confidence, the evening quickly turned into a nightmare. The mistake is that the dominant Victor Vembanyama comes from the bench.

From the start, San Antonio imposes its rhythm. In his home state, Devin Vassell caught fire and scored 9 of his team’s first 11 points, while Stephon Castle was also punished from behind the arc. Atlanta tries to respond, thanks in particular to Zachary Rizacher, who finds the 3-point target, but Atlanta’s defense is quickly overwhelmed. Entrance to Wemby further changes the face of the match: a deflection near the circle, a snap shot and 9-0 to end the first quarter. Score after twelve minutes: 32-19 for Spurs.

The second quarter confirms the trend. Atlanta struggles with shots, multiplies sterile possession and lets San Antonio develop. Vembanjama is connecting baskets near the circle, Dylan Harper is taking advantage of gaps to attack the circle, and Harrison Barnes is finally finding success from the outside. Despite some flashes from Jalen Johnson and energy from Onyeka Okongwu, the gap continues to grow. At the break, the Spurs had already made a hole: 68-44.

Mitch Johnson’s quick timeout after returning from the locker room prevents any relaxation. San Antonio accelerates again, attacks the circuit more and regains its intercity address. Vasell offers himself a dunk and then another rewarding shot, Vembanjama lights up the match with blocks, dunks and outside shots, and the deficit climbs to +30. Before the last quarter, the fate of the match was sealed: 102-72.

The fourth quarter is just one long time for garbage. Texas starters quickly joined the bullpen, with Quin Snyder also out, leaving only Rizacher among the starters. Atlanta’s substitutes scored a few points, no worries that the San Antonio team was in perfect control. Final score without appeal: 126-98.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Collective demonstration. Since the NBA Cup Finals are not counted in the regular results, the Spurs remain at five wins in a row, and the team is gaining confidence and efficiency, match after match. The use, albeit temporary, of Victor Wembanyama as a sixth man is a real headache for opponents.

Wemby is gaining momentum. It was his best game since returning from injury with 26 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks in 21 minutes. As soon as he entered the game, facing the opposing “second unit”, San Antonio changed its face. Let’s remember that Mitch Johnson left him on the field for almost 10 minutes in a row in the second half, and then the Spurs took a 30-point lead.

The series continues. Wemby posted his 100th consecutive game against the clock, a streak that began during his rookie season, in January 2024. Only two pivots have done that well in history: Pat Ewing and Dikemeb Mutombo.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; 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; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.