By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
2023 NBA Rookie Draft no. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama went off during his NBA Preseason debut last October 10, 2023, against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The expected chosen one to carry the San Antonio Spurs franchise impressed despite playing only 19 minutes and tallied 20 points, five rebounds, two steals, and a block.
San Antonio gave up their double-digit first-half lead and lost to Oklahoma City in a nail-biter, 122-121, but the performance Wembanyama showed drew praises from head coach Gregg Popovich and the whole Spurs fan base.
It was what everybody expected from Wembanyama as the tall and long hybrid forward showed his wide array of offensive bag to end his outing with an efficient 8/13 shooting from the field.
Wembanyama quickly introduced himself in the opening minutes of the Preseason matchup when he tipped in a free throw miss to put himself into the scoring column.
After that, the seven-foot-four French superstar just showcased his scoring ability, driving down the lane with no fear while also burying acrobatic layups that wowed the whole crowd in Oklahoma City.
Wembanyama’s scoring spree helped San Antonio take control of the pace in the first half and even added their lead when he sank back-to-back three-pointers.
However, Wembanyama already took an early rest and was absent in the pivotal moments of the fourth quarter when the coaching staff decided to preserve his playing time.
Wembanyama’s physicality will then be tested on October 14, 2023, when the Spurs meet Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in an inter-conference Preseason clash.
“We’re still trying to figure out whether he should be on the perimeter or at the post and in what situations where we can take advantage of his abilities. But there will be a little of both for sure,” said Spurs head coach Popovich after Wembanyama’s debut game.
