Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena.
Even though he’s on his first year in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama has been a revelation for the San Antonio Spurs all season long. Among those who have recognized the French rookie’s potential, especially one skill that’s not being highlighted that much, is Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone.
In a recent game between San Antonio and the Nuggets at the Ball Arena in Denver, the latter went home with the 110-105 win against the Gregg Popovich-coached team. All-Star forward Nikola Jokic dropped a monster performance of 42 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists in 37 minutes. Aaron Gordon made 23 points on 75 percent shooting from the field, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Mar 29, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots over New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during overtime at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
The Spurs, on the other hand, had Malaki Branham led the team in scoring with 23 points on 52 percent shooting from the field. Wembanyama posted an insane performance of 23 points, 15 rebounds, and nine blocks. Tre Jones, meanwhile had 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists against in a game that saw two key Spurs players get shut down.
The win helped Denver reach the Western Conference’s number one seed with a record of 53 wins and 23 losses. The Spurs are on the opposite end of the spectrum as their 18-58 record is the worst in the West.
Denver Nuggets Coach Mike Malone Reveals San Antonio Spurs Rookie Victor Wembanyama’s Underappreciated Skill
Malone says Wemby’s passing isn’t appreciated enough: “Everybody talks about the blocks, the dunks, the 3s. The last 5 games he’s averaging almost 6 assists per game. And really good passes. You can tell he’s got a flair, understands how to play & can make his teammates better,” Orsborn tweeted.
Throughout this season, Wembanyama is averaging 3.7 assists per game. Along with that stat, the rookie is also posting 21.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and is leading the NBA in blocks with 3.5 per contest in his first year in the NBA.
Apr 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
With his size and skill, it’s not hard to imagine Wemby getting more dimes as his NBA career progresses. And if Malone is right with his assessment, the rookie will become a better player in the seasons to come.
Apr 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) dunks the ball as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) looks on in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY SportsFor More Great Basketball Content
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