Victor Wembanyama is making waves in the NBA, and he's quick to credit his San Antonio Spurs teammates for their impressive rise. After a thrilling buzzer-beater against the Phoenix Suns, Wembanyama emphasized the collective effort behind the Spurs' success.
“We've got De'Aaron Fox, a former Clutch Player of the Year, which is huge for us,” Wemby remarked, highlighting the team's knack for thriving in tight situations. “We can always field five offensively skilled players, and while we lack experience, that can actually work in our favor.”
From a modest 22 wins two years ago to 34 last season, the Spurs have now clinched a playoff spot, emerging as one of the league's top teams despite their youth.
“This wasn't just any game; it was a significant one, especially with the playoffs approaching,” Wembanyama said of their narrow 101-100 victory over Phoenix.
He noted the team's growth, particularly on defense, where their instincts have become second nature. “We've developed habits on both ends of the floor.
It shows on film, even if this game wasn't our best. It’s a good test, especially at this point in the season.”
Wembanyama's clutch jumper with 1.1 seconds left was a testament to his skill and preparation.
“It was a lot to process with everything happening around me,” Wembanyama admitted. “Fans were watching, and someone even spilled wine on me before the game ended.
After making the shot, I quickly got back on defense, wine-stained shorts and all. My teammates swarmed me so fast it felt like a blur.”
The shot itself was no surprise for Wemby.
“It’s a shot I’ve practiced extensively,” he explained. “Our game plan isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about executing what we’ve worked on. This particular shot is something I’ve drilled with (assistant coach) Tim Martin.”
The Spurs had been trailing most of the game, but Wembanyama ensured they wouldn’t fall behind again with his decisive play.
“In that situation, timing is everything,” the two-time All-Star explained about the final possession. “You don’t want to shoot too early and give the other team a chance. By waiting until the last second, we either get an offensive rebound or leave them no time to respond.”
Devin Booker's last-second half-court attempt missed, sealing the Spurs' 52nd win in 70 games.