21 October 2023 , 14:57
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The hype around Victor Wembanyama is continuing to grow ahead of the 2023/24 NBA campaign, after the No. 1 draft pick once again impressed during preseason for the San Antonio Spurs.
Wembanyama has lived up the huge pressure on his shoulders since arriving in the United States, and this was ramped up when taking on the Golden State Warriors. The game started with the French teenager facing off with one of the NBA's top names in Steph Curry.
Ironically the 6ft 2in Curry took on the 7ft 3in Wembanyama in the tip off, unsurprisingly won by the San Antonio Spurs star without breaking a sweat.
It proved to be just the start for the Frenchman, who dominated throughout the warm-up clash - the last preseason action for both teams before they get the action proper underway next week when the season starts
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It has not taken long for Wembanyama's moments to go viral, and that was the case again on Friday night. One of which came in the first quarter, after the 19-year-old effortlessly blocked a Klay Thompson shot, before casually making his way to the other end of the court to score a three-pointer of his own.
The rookie tallied 12 points in the opening quarter, before finishing with a 19 for the game, as the Spurs defeated the Warriors 122-177. He added four rebounds and five blocks in his 21 minutes, to cap off his impressive evening's work.
Afterwards - for all of his hard work - Wembanyama was offered a sentimental gift, as he and new Warriors recruit Chris Paul were seen swapping jerseys. The real business for the Frenchman and the Spurs kicks off next Thursday when they take on the Dallas Mavericks in their season opener.
One aspect of the rookie's game that has impressed many is his versatility across the whole court, and this something Wembanyama appears more than comfortable with heading into his maiden NBA campaign.
"There really are no limitations," Wembanyama said.
"On a lot of set plays, on a lot of plays, it really depends on where you are. I can be the point guard just as I can be the wing. It doesn’t matter. What is coming fast is all the information, the new set plays, the principles. It’s a lot, a lot of stuff I have never seen before and don’t know.
"It’s hard. You have to be focused when you are on the court because if you lose attention one second, you’re screwed for the next 15 seconds.”