Victor Wembanyama described Saturday’s extra time loss to the Denver Nuggets as “an incredible recreation, very enjoyable. Some of the enjoyable video games. I want we may have closed it up.” Talking after San Antonio’s 136-134 defeat at Ball Area, the Spurs’ star highlighted the expertise as a studying alternative forward of the playoffs.
“Anytime that occurs tonight is nice for us. It’s an actual take a look at towards a crew that’s really taking part in for one thing proper now,” Wembanyama mentioned, acknowledging the Nuggets’ depth in a recreation with “just a little little bit of playoff vibes.” He emphasised the timing of the matchup as useful: “There’s no higher approach that we might have realized. There’s no higher end result of this recreation to study from us.”
The Spurs’ 7-foot-4 heart mirrored on the crew’s late-game collapse, noting, “We couldn’t have misplaced it out earlier. I feel we had a very good lead in like one minute, 30 seconds within the fourth quarter. Obligation is to use particulars extra, higher ought to say, on either side of the ground.” Wembanyama additionally addressed defensive challenges: “It’s a little bit totally different than most groups. Clearly, they acquired the most effective offensive participant on this planet. You at all times need to be centered in protection.”
Wembanyama praised his teammates’ improvement, significantly Julian Champagnie, who contributed off the bench: “Simply his progress this 12 months. No, it’s wonderful. I feel that’s a man will need to 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 certain. It was actually gratifying, actually difficult. Wanting ahead to be there once more.”
Regardless of taking part in all 40 minutes, Wembanyama reported feeling sturdy and prepared for postseason calls for: “I felt good. I used to be nonetheless capable of perform via 40 minutes, in order that’s good. It’s one thing I couldn’t have accomplished earlier than in Denver… I imply, I’m prepared for something. However proper now, I’m actually centered 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 extra 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.
