Victor Wembanyama has been opposed in the media against many NBA players since his debut in the American League: LeBron James, whom he was supposed to succeed as the face of the competition, Kevin Durant, the basketball player who largely inspired him, or even Chet Holmgren, who shares almost the same age and position. But there is one player Wemby doesn’t fully understand and he continually finds his way to with more or less bliss: Stephen Curry, star of the Golden State Warriors.
Last night, during a game in Texas, the San Francisco leader went all out for the San Antonio Spurs. With 44 points (including 15 three-pointers), Curry left it to no one to decide the fate of the game, although he was helped well by Jimmy Butler (26 points). The Warriors produced a roaring second half to return to victory after a fairly average start to the season (7 wins, 6 losses).
In contrast, Victor Wembanyama did everything he could but was too alone in the face of Curry’s genius. The Frenchman scored 31 points (including 9 three-pointers). He also recorded 15 rebounds and 10 assists, en route to a prestigious triple-double. He also ends it with a counter on the clock. On his team, only young Stephon Castle met the standards (23 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists).
Wemby-Curry, an opposition that is already historic
Wemby – Curry: both players add a new major confrontation to their history. We remember the challenge Curry set for himself during his first season in the NBA, by wanting to challenge Wemby… at kickoff. The funny image has been shown a lot on American TV in recent days. We especially remember America’s brazen success in the Olympic final, and the moonshot in which Wemby, seemingly flying, still felt himself too short to resist Curry’s effort.
Nothing spectacular last night. However, Wemby performed well, especially in the second half when his team conceded water. We saw him score important goals, at mid-range but also behind the arc, which kept the distance at a reasonable level. He also struggled against the tough Draymond Green. The two often came face to face, with the Frenchman’s elbow even ending up – accidentally – in the American’s face at one point. The merciless duel will help Wemby continue to develop.
If the Warriors ultimately win, it will be because they are experts at long-range drills: Their 21 3-pointers, made by nearly every player on the court, hurt the Spurs, who also conceded too many free throws (36, including 32 made by Golden State!).
San Antonio recorded its third loss of the season, and will do so again, on Friday (3:30 p.m. from Friday to Saturday in France), still at home, against the same opponent.
