The line of reporters documenting Victor Wembanyama‘s every move leading up to the game was proof certain that there would be interesting moments.
It doesn’t matter if the San Antonio Spurs had only won 11 games; the first-round pick’s game against the Lakers in Los Angeles was undoubtedly significant even though the result was inevitable.
Ultimately, the Lakers intimidated their way to a 123-118 victory over Wembanyama and the young Spurs, showcasing their indisputable talent advantage.
But there was more to the game on Friday. It was the final opportunity to iron out some bugs before the calendar moves into one of the most crucial parts of the season thus far. It was more than just a West Coast introduction to a guy the Lakers will probably battle for the next ten or more years.
The Lakers play seven of their next nine games against teams with superior records, starting on Sunday at Phoenix. One of those games is against the Golden State Warriors, who defeated the Lakers just now and are rising quickly from their No. 10 position in the West.
And in that regard, the Lakers’ first home game following the All-Star break had both advantages and disadvantages.
That explains why, following the victory, head coach Darvin Ham refrained from speaking about Wembanyama until he expressed some degree of dissatisfaction with his squad.
According to Ham, “you want your team to look within all the time, try to make plays, and force the other team to put you in uncomfortable positions.” “You shouldn’t put yourself in awkward situations, like failing to rush back during a transition or letting teams grab two or three offensive rebounds.
Alternatively, we could foul because we’re not in place or finishing our duties promptly. then after that turning around and putting your trust in the implementation.
“We have a lot of weapons at our disposal, but they are useless if we don’t execute the small plays – running quickly when we receive the ball in transition, keeping it in play, keeping spacing, ensuring that we get hits on screens to gain an advantage, and completing the straightforward play.
That was the test on Friday; they performed well enough to defeat the Spurs. Then it gets even harder.
With LeBron James back in play, the offense kept getting better. He and Anthony Davis led an unbeaten starting five that also included Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and others to their sixth consecutive victory.
James, who finished with 30 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, remarked, “I felt pretty good.” To be honest, I was more taken aback by how well my wind was working. Ankle, however, fared well. performed merely mediocrely. I was excited to go play and support my team’s victory.
That was the most crucial thing.
After missing the Lakers’ previous two games to obtain therapy for his ailing left ankle, James was able to push Spurs defenders around the court and quickly establish an offensive rhythm. Against Wembanyama, one of the rare players who has an equal impact on the game as he does, Davis finished with 28 points and 13 rebounds.
Russell finished with six assists and 22 points. Reaves contributed 10 points and nine assists, while Hachimura finished with 17 points and seven rebounds.
Not only did Wembanyama score 27 points and grab 10 rebounds, but he also made five steals, blocked five shots, and delivered eight assists. In NBA history, it was the 22nd “5 by 5” game, meaning a player had at least five in five different categories. FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK….
