Wemby Watch: Spurs Top Grizz, Pass Hornets in Wins (and Lose 3rd Worst Record)

Story of the Game

You tanked all season long only to forfeit the third worst record with 3 games left.

I’m not complaining — there’s even a chance the Spurs might pass the Blazers and end up with the 5th worst record and I hope they do it.

My contention all along has been that it was completely uncalled for to lose on purpose this season; tanking during Victor Wembanyama’s rookie year has never made sense.

But what also doesn’t make sense is giving up on the tank with just 10 games left.

It’s illogical but Gregg Popovich hasn’t made sense for, well, we’re closing in a decade.

The bad part is this team could have been in or near the playoffs. Wemby is that good, but Gregg Popovich decided early on that he going to make sure this team lost.

The man can still coach basketball, but don’t let him anywhere near the front office decisions.

Victor Stats

18 points, 6 assists, 7 rebounds, 7 blocks in 31 minutes

9–19 fgs, 0–5 3 fgs

Quick Thoughts

The Spurs did what they were supposed to do and handled the G-League Grizzlies. Memphis is so low on talent, it’s hard to recognize their lineups.

Here are my notes from the game:

• This was one of the smallest, lowest energy crowds you’ll ever see at an NBA game.
• The NBA 100% made the right call in immediately getting rid of the “draw the contact” fouls that offensive players were making a living off of. I just wish they’d take it further and disallow the unnatural movements like when the offensive player moves backwards or horizontally into the defensive player. You should have to score on your own ability, not the ability to involve refs in the game.
• Sidy Cissoko got 21 minutes of playing time and we saw some mild flashes in the pan. I think the problem is he plays with almost zero confidence and is still unsure of himself. You’ve got to fully believe in yourself at this level.
• Victor Wembanyama is a really, really good passer. I wish he passed less, especially given the depleted roster.
• Sandro Mamukelashvili is one intelligent basketball player. Great demeanor. Real effort. I like him. He’s easily worth one of the last roster spots. However, he does need to improve from three.
• I liked seeing Victor play next to Mamu and Zach Collins. This freed him up on defense and took off some of the work load. Finally.
• Davonte Graham completely ignored Victor coming down the lane for a dunk. This crime has been committed so many times by so many players on this roster and Pop keeps letting it happen.
• Victor’s presence alone opened up so many free layups this game. He has that effect; the defense really doesn’t want him to score.
• The Blazers remaning three games are all playoff teams and the Spurs have the Pistons in their season finale. The Spurs have 20 wins and the Blazers have 21 wins. Come on Spurs. Maybe they can even steal a win against Denver or OKC (or either team secures playoff positioning and has a rest game).

Last, thanks for reading with me all season long. After these final three games, I’ll be posting Spurs and Wemby end-of-the-season report cards along with a piece on who I’d like on and off the roster for next season along with potential targets.

Pre-game Setup

The Memphis-San Antonio matchup is game #79 for the Spurs.

Betting: Grizzlis +4.5, Over/Under 217.0

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

Betting Record going into the game 56–57–1.

The Spurs traveled to Memphis for this contest.