Victor Wembanyama Reflects on Fast-Paced Game Amid Challenges vs. Lakers
After a hot start to the season, Victor Wembanyama faced difficulties during the San Antonio Spurs' narrow 118-116 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. He told reporters the game "feels fast right now" as opposing teams have adjusted defensively to focus on him.
“Personally, I haven't seen this kind of defense from teams. So we need to adapt as a collective. In the Phoenix game, it was the case as well. We're learning.”
Wembanyama highlighted the Lakers' heavy use of double-teams as a major factor in his struggle. He explained,
“Mostly, it was the doubling. They probably walked in shootaround through all our situations because it seemed like they were very ready. It felt like they let me catch the ball, but they were ready to double to rotate after that.”
In 33 minutes, Wembanyama scored 19 points on 5-of-14 shooting, grabbed eight rebounds, and had five turnovers. He fouled out with fewer than two minutes left while the Spurs trailed 113-112.
San Antonio had a chance to tie the game with one second remaining after Julian Champagnie drew a shooting foul on Jake LaRavia, but Champagnie missed both free throws, securing the win for the Lakers.
This was the second time in seven games this season that Wembanyama fouled out, surpassing his total foul-outs over the last two seasons combined.
Summary: Wembanyama is adjusting to intensified defensive focus, facing new challenges as opponents aggressively double-team him, impacting his performance and the Spurs' results.