Victor Wembanyama described Saturday’s additional time loss to the Denver Nuggets as “an incredible recreation, very enjoyable. Probably the most enjoyable video games. I want we might have closed it up.” Talking after San Antonio’s 136-134 defeat at Ball Enviornment, the Spurs’ star highlighted the expertise as a studying alternative forward of the playoffs.
“Anytime that occurs tonight is sweet for us. It’s an actual check in opposition to a group that’s truly enjoying for one thing proper now,” Wembanyama stated, acknowledging the Nuggets’ depth in a recreation with “just a little little bit of playoff vibes.” He emphasised the timing of the matchup as helpful: “There’s no higher method that we might have discovered. There’s no higher final result of this recreation to study from us.”
The Spurs’ 7-foot-4 middle mirrored on the group’s late-game collapse, noting, “We couldn’t have misplaced it out earlier. I feel we had lead in like one minute, 30 seconds within the fourth quarter. Obligation is to use particulars extra, higher ought to say, on each side of the ground.” Wembanyama additionally addressed defensive challenges: “It’s a little bit completely different than most groups. Clearly, they acquired one of the best offensive participant on this planet. You at all times should be targeted in protection.”
Wembanyama praised his teammates’ growth, notably Julian Champagnie, who contributed off the bench: “Simply his progress this yr. No, it’s wonderful. I feel that’s a man should have taken each alternative to get higher since I’ve been right here, to use what the coaches say, to be coachable. So it’s nice to see him attain some achievements like this. I’m actually proud.”
He additionally mirrored on his back-and-forth with Nikola Jokic down the stretch: “Yeah, for positive. It was actually fulfilling, actually difficult. Wanting ahead to be there once more.”
Regardless of enjoying all 40 minutes, Wembanyama reported feeling sturdy and prepared for postseason calls for: “I felt good. I used to be nonetheless capable of operate by means of 40 minutes, in order that’s good. It’s one thing I couldn’t have achieved earlier than in Denver… I imply, I’m prepared for something. However proper now, I’m actually targeted on recovering and ensuring my physique is prepared each recreation.”
Wembanyama completed with 34 factors, 18 rebounds, seven assists, and 5 blocks, however the Spurs had been outscored by Denver 40-27 over the ultimate 14 minutes, together with additional time. Denver’s Nikola Jokic scored 16 of his 40 factors in that span to assist snap San Antonio’s 11-game profitable streak.
Up subsequent, the Spurs host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, whereas the Nuggets face Portland.
