Some are already arguing that it borders on disrespectful to describe Victor Wembanyama as anything less than the greatest young talent since LeBron James. The notion only reinforced after Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to the Game 3 win over the New York Knicks on Monday.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson praised Wembanyama’s approach and mindset following the win.
"I'm sure Victor has numerous sources of motivation, and I don't think any of us are surprised or expect anything different than a strong performance, and him being on his front foot in terms of being in attack mode,” Johnson said.
Wembanyama erupted for 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks, leading the Spurs to a 115-111 upset win on the road in New York.
Following his costly turnover in Game 2, Wembanyama made it clear he intended to respond.
“Am I gonna use that to fuel me and to fuel us next game? Absolutely,” he said afterward.
Wembanyama backed up those words in dominant fashion with his Game 3 performance. He became only the fourth player in NBA Finals history to record at least 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals in a single game, alongside Kevin Durant, LeBron James (twice), and Tim Duncan.
Johnson also spoke on how the Spurs aimed to use Wembanyama’s versatility offensively.
"Games take on different personalities and different opportunities can show themselves early, right," Johnson said. “We never told Victor, don't shoot an open three point shot if you're open, even if it's early in the game or whatnot.
“But yeah, we wanted to put pressure on the paint, put pressure on the rim, and it can show itself in a lot of ways. And there's times where again he puts pressure on the rim, they tag him with one or two people, they open something else for someone else, or he may be open late in the possession, but we just have to stay a little bit more stubborn and disciplined, trying to attack in that way."
Besides his offensive explosion, Wembanyama’s defensive presence continues to separate him from his peers, as he now ranks among the top five shot-blockers in a single postseason run. He has also reached the milestone of 70+ blocked shots in a playoff run at a remarkably young age, joining a short list of legends to do so.
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