Victor Wembanyama Reflects on Fast Pace Amid Spurs' Loss to Lakers
Victor Wembanyama, after a strong start to the season, faced difficulties as the San Antonio Spurs narrowly fell 118-116 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. Speaking after the game, Wembanyama described the pace as feeling "fast right now," attributing this to opposing teams adjusting their defensive strategies against him.
Adjusting to New Defensive Challenges
Wembanyama noted that the defensive attention he faced was unprecedented in his experience. He emphasized the need for the Spurs to adapt collectively.
"Personally, I haven't seen this kind of defense from teams. So we need to adapt as a collective. In the Phoenix game, it was the case as well. We're learning."
Double Teams Limiting Wembanyama's Impact
The Spurs center highlighted the frequent double-teaming by the Lakers as a key factor disrupting his play.
"Mostly, it was the doubling. They probably walked in shootaround through all our situations because it seemed like they were very ready. It felt like they let me catch the ball, but they were ready to double to rotate after that."
Statistical Summary and Game Outcome
- Wembanyama scored 19 points on 5-of-14 shooting
- Grabbed 8 rebounds
- Committed 5 turnovers
- Fouled out with under two minutes remaining while Spurs trailed 113-112
San Antonio nearly tied the game in the final seconds after Julian Champagnie was fouled, but his missed free throws secured the victory for Los Angeles.
Context on Fouling Out
This loss marked Wembanyama’s second foul-out in the first seven games of the season, a number exceeding his total from the previous two seasons combined.
Victor Wembanyama faces new defensive challenges as opponents increasingly double-team him, forcing the Spurs to adapt amid tough losses.