Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images
Following Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs’ 113-103 victory over Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night, fans were impressed by Wembanyama’s competitiveness against one of the best big men and defenders in the league.
The Spurs improved to 3-3 on the season, while the Timberwolves fell to 3-3 after their matchup at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Wembanyama finished the night with 17 points, six rebounds and two blocks while shooting 7-of-15 from the field in the victory. Keldon Johnson came off the bench and contributed 25 points, eight rebounds and two steals.
On the other side of the court, Gobert posted 10 points, three rebounds and one assist with Anthony Edwards adding 21 points and two steals.
In a chippy game between both teams, the Spurs led 62-58 at halftime. However, the momentum quickly shifted in favor of Minnesota, as they outscored the Spurs 33-25 in the third quarter and maintained their advantage for the remainder of the game.
Despite the back-and-forth action, Wembanyama outperformed fellow Frenchman Gobert throughout the game, highlighted by an impressive step-back three-pointer over the 7-footer in the first quarter.
Wembanyama has averaged 18.2 points and 10.6 rebounds this season, making a case for Defensive Player of the Year while impressing fans who have taken to social media to celebrate the former first overall pick.
Raul Dominguez Jr. @DominguezCinco
Victor Wembanyama loves playing against fellow French star Rudy Gobert. I’m sure finishing second in voting to Gobert for Defensive Player of the Year stoked Wembanyama’s fierce competitiveness. Wemby has blocked Gobert at the rim twice on dunks, one clean and one a foul.
On Monday, the Spurs will travel to Los Angeles to take on the 2-3 Clippers.