After the Phoenix Suns lost to the San Antonio Spurs on November 2, Kevin Durant told NBA reporters that Victor Wembanyama is “much different than anybody who’s ever played” in the league.
The Spurs beat the Suns in back-to-back games, with Wembanyama playing well in both contests.
In the first Spurs-Suns game on October 31, Wembanyama finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and four blocks in 28 minutes. In the second game, the rookie went off for 38 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in 34 minutes.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs, Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns Updates
“Every game is different,” Wembanyama said. “We got our third win. Every game, we try to find the spots that we need to hurt them. Today, it might have been in this way. Tomorrow, it will be someone else. That is how great teams work. If we want to be great, we need to play with everyone.”
Wembanyama, who is the betting favorite to win Rookie of the Year this season, is averaging 20.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.2 blocks through five games while shooting 50.0% from the field, 32.0% from beyond the arc and 73.1% from the free-throw line.
The Spurs are 3-2 on the young season. Head coach Gregg Popovich is proud of the way his team responded after blowing a 27-point lead to the Suns in the second game.
“For about three minutes there offensively, we lost our composure, which allowed them to run and do whatever,” Popovich said. “But we hung in there, got our solid play back the last three, four minutes. So, for a young team that needs to learn that in the fourth quarter, that was the best part of the game against a very good club.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs, Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns Updates
Durant had 26 points and seven assists in the first game against the Spurs and 28 points and six rebounds in the second game. However, it wasn’t enough to take down Wembanyama.
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