Wembanyama is still displaying some rookie tendencies Victor Wembanyama’s potential game-winning fade-away 3-pointer at the buzzer missed its mark, and the San Antonio Spurs squandered an opportunity for a rare victory against a Memphis Grizzlies team that has been depleted for much of the season. Following the disappointing 99-97 loss, the highly touted prospect reflected on what could have been, but his regret extended beyond the last-second shot. “I didn’t seal the deal,” Wemby lamented to ClutchPoints, referring to a nearly 20-point lead his team had established early on. Despite delivering his seventh 30-plus point game of the season and third this month, as the top pick in last summer’s draft, Wembanyama couldn’t shake off the feeling of missed chances.
Wembanyama acknowledged his team’s failure to “seal the deal,” but emphasized its 17-point lead in the second quarter.
“I distinctly recall a moment in the first half when we were comfortably ahead,” Wemby said before referring to the missed opportunity.
This is what hit me. I realized how important it is to maintain intensity regardless of the opponent. Whether [Joel] Embiid or Giannis [Antetokounmpo] are in front of us, we must keep the same level of aggression. “I wanted to approach the game with the same intensity, and these are mistakes I won’t make again,” said the Spurs’ leading scorer.
What else has Wemby said?
Throughout the second half, Wemby demonstrated increased offensive boldness. However, at that time, Memphis had not only erased the gap, but had gone ahead.
“Step up. React. When asked about that portion of the game, he said, “Make as many contributions to the team’s success as possible.” “We needed a response one way or another because their defense wasn’t particularly formidable.”
“Yeah, I can’t recall the exact sequence, but it’s possible,” Wembanyama said when asked about his increased hostility. “I’ll need to review the game footage.”
With another 31-point performance on Friday, the 20-year-old prodigy extended his extraordinary season, adding 16 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks against the Grizzlies. Following the loss to a Grizzlies team missing important players such as Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, and Derrick Rose, he was particularly concerned about his wasted opportunities.
With one second remaining, the Spurs planned a play in which Devin Vassell positioned himself in the corner and Wemby rolled to the block. However, Jeremy Sochan was unable to locate either choice, prompting a timeout to avoid a five-second penalty.
“Yes, because we had the option for either a three-pointer or a two-pointer,” Victor Wembanyama said of the play’s design.
Wemby’s ensuing miss from long range sealed the Spurs’ fate, leaving them with a season record of 15-55.
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