Wemby laments energy misuse amid historic night
SAN ANTONIO — Still contemplative in the aftermath of a 104-102 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama lamented what he described as energy mismanagement for ruining a historic defensive performance. Wembanyama racked up an NBA-playoffs-record 12 blocks Monday night and scored 11 points with 15 rebounds, becoming the third player in postseason history to log a triple-double with blocks, after Andrew Bynum and Hakeem Olajuwon .
In addition to connecting on his lowest field goal percentage (29%) so far in the playoffs, Wembanyama missed all eight of his attempts from 3-point range, which registered as the most misses from deep without a make by a player in Spurs playoff history. Minnesota's tenacious defense played a role, especially the frontcourt duo of Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle , which continuously pushed Wembanyama off his spots and prevented him from establishing a presence in the paint.
A four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert defended Wembanyama more than anyone else, especially in the first half. On the 24 plays that ended with Randle as the final defender, the Spurs averaged 0.73 points per play, shooting 5-of-16 with three turnovers.
It means I didn't have the grasp on the game that I wish I did." That didn't stop Wembanyama from establishing a block party vibe early at Frost Bank Center. But you take it on the chin, move on and try to play better next game." At 22 years and 120 days old, Wembanyama became the youngest player in Spurs history to log a triple-double in the playoffs, surpassing Hall of Famer Tim Duncan, who accomplished the feat in 2002 at 25 years and 360 days old.
Analysis: Why This Matters
This story matters because San Antonio can change the trajectory of a season — and a franchise.
Key Takeaways
- It means I didn't have the grasp on the game that I wish I did." That didn't stop Wembanyama from establishing a block party vibe early at Frost Bank Center.
- A four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert defended Wembanyama more than anyone else, especially in the first half.
- Next game is going to be even better because that's the type of guy his is." ESPN's Anthony Slater and ESPN Research contributed to this report.
Expect more reactions from coaches, players, and analysts as the story unfolds.
Source: ESPN Sports