Wemby Watch: What Has Pop Done to Victor? Spurs Fall to Magic

Story of the Game

In my Pop Psychology article, I wrote:

In just 35 NBA games, Victor’s leveling up is quite impressive. The biggest difference I can see is in his demeanor and how he carries himself on the court; he knows he’s the alpha and that he must lead the team.

That alpha energy is gone.

So is the fair amount of momentum the Spurs had gathered. The Spurs are reverting back to their horrible habits from earlier in the season:

• Turning the ball over on attempts to get Victor the ball
• Spurs missing Victor when he’s wide open or not getting him the ball
• Victor not involved in the offense.
• Pop shaving minutes off Victor’s playing time

Victor has gone from dominant destroyer of opponents to a very nice role player.

I saw strong fibers of anti-competitive coaching / tanking this game. This was the Spurs sixth loss in a row.

Victor Stats

15 points, 2 assists, 1 rebounds, 3 blocks in 23 minutes

6–12 fgs, 2–4 3 fgs

Quick Thoughts

Besides what we’ve seen all season long, I have nothing to back this up but I think Pop’s loser mentality and coaching style is really starting to damage Victor’s confidence.

Victor’s not playing the same. He’s playing weaker and without animosity.

And there’s no sign of “development” anywhere in sight. If anything, this Spurs team is regressing.

Losing on purpose might get a higher draft pick, but it comes with severe consequences attached, including demoralizing young players.

A few more thoughts:

• I like Scott Foster protecting Victor from garbage player Joe Engles, warning Engles about his unnecessary body shot on Victor.
• Zach Collins played much better this game, but I’m out on him.
• Mo Wagner dunked on Victor (offensive foul though — check the play, he cleared him out). Later Sean Elliott was saying, just you wait a couple of years. This was to indicate that Victor would get his revenge later down the line when he puts on more size.

Sean, what in the hell is wrong with you. Victor can dominate anybody in the league right now. That’s a minor strike against Sean Elliott in back-to-games. Hearing it did make me think that he might be becoming a Pop tanking sympathizer.

Pre-game Setup

The Orlando-San Antonio matchup is game #52 for the Spurs.

Betting: Magic -10.5, Over/Under 225

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

Betting Record going into the game 34–37–1.

The Spurs traveled to Miami for this contest.