For his 20th birthday, Victor Wembanyama could not dream of a better poster: a first duel against Giannis Antetokounmpo. It was in San Antonio, and their confrontation kept all its promises on an individual and collective level since the Bucks won 125-121 against the Spurs, with 44 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists from the “Greeak Freak”, against 27 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks for the “French Freak”.
While “Wemby” had signed a T-Mac in the first half, then posterized Brook Lopez in the second, after eliminating Damian Lillard with a dribble behind the back, we were treated to an epic end to the match.
We enter “money time” when Giannis Antetokounmpo equalizes on a 3-pointer (118-118). “Wemby” wants to answer him. He misses his 3-pointer, but goes for the offensive rebound: strong move! On the next attack, Giannis drives the point home again at 3-points!
Incredible money time!
In 30 seconds, the Bucks power forward has just knocked out the Spurs, in an exercise where he is rarely effective: the 3-point shot. Gregg Popovich calls a time-out. The following ? Two defenses that raise their voice, an electric atmosphere, and a Wembanyama who puts himself at the level of the double MVP with a counter on Damian Lillard, and on the counter-attack, in first intention, a 3-pointer to equalize (121-121 ) ! There's one minute left to play.
Giannis' response? A “poster dunk” with the mistake to regain a three-point lead (124-121) 50 seconds from the end. Behind Sochan misses the equalizer, and Giannis decides to drive home the point. He starts from the 3-point line to challenge the Frenchman, and he gets stuck badly! The room is standing. Unfortunately for the Spurs, behind, Tre Jones also misses the 3-point equalizer while he was unmarked in the corner, and it is Pat Connaughton, with a free throw, who completes the match.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– An alien duel! The actors lacked words to describe this first duel between Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even the coaches and their teammates have become spectators… We will remember the words of Giannis regarding his young “successor”: “He’s an incredible talent. He can score at will whenever he wants. He plays the right way. He plays to win. It was great to face him. »
– A promising defeat. The Spurs proved they could hold their own against a title contender. With a few exceptions, this is one of their most successful matches, especially on the defensive level. The ball circulated well, there was movement and enthusiasm. Now the Spurs must learn how to turn an interception or offensive rebound into a field goal.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
