Wemby Watch: Sharpened Spurs Nearly Knock Down Kings

Story of the Game

The Spurs looked much sharper, played more cohesively, and nearly came out of Sacramento with a win — at one point in the fourth, the crowd was silently shocked that San Antonio was giving their team all they could handle.

Victor played very well for most of the game, but when it came to money time, he had no magic to muster. In a crucial possession down the stretch, he opted for a very weak fadeaway against Domantas Sabonis 1-on-1. In two other late possessions, he clanged three pointers.

Still, the Spurs had a chance at the win. Earlier in the season, perhaps as recent as just before the All-Star break, the Spurs would have folded and been blown out, but they battled back and made it an entertaining affair.

Victor Stats

19 points, 4 assists, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks in 31 minutes

8–21 fgs, 1–6 3 fgs

Quick Thoughts

Devin Vassell is one of the hidden gems in the league. This guy has a high, high ceiling.

Jeremy Sochan also played well and Keldon Johnson was another net positive. With these three combined with Victor, the Spurs have a very talented young nucleus.

If Victor plays 35 minutes, there’s a good chance the Spurs win this game.

Victor played a steady, even game and was a strong contributor in multiple facets of the game. His teammates also were more casual in using him to their advantage which hasn’t been common.

A few criticisms for Victor:

• He has to battle for rebounds more. He easily gave up 6 points because he doesn’t put his body against opposing big men.
• Threes are an escape for him and unless he starts shooting at a 38% clip, it’s a very bad habit. Even if he’s wide open, it’s a mediocre shot.
• He’s mostly gotten away from bringing the ball up the court, but a few times he didn’t and nearly turned the ball over.

Other thoughts on the game:

• D’aaron Fox has the best touch in the NBA.
• I can see why Fox leads the league in clutch points. He delivers huge buckets like it’s nothing.
• Damantas has huge hands — he handles the ball like C-Webb.

Pre-game Setup

The Sacramento-San Antonio matchup is game #56 for the Spurs.

Betting: Kings -11.5, Over/Under 240.5

(Guess-Prediction: I’ll take the Spurs and the over.)

Betting Record going into the game 36–43–1.

The Spurs traveled to Dallas for this contest.