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Hours earlier than Wednesday’s sport in opposition to the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs rookie huge man Victor Wembanyama stood on the courtroom in Madison Sq. Backyard and told reporters he was stunned the famed enviornment wasn’t as big as he’d thought it could be.
The Backyard should have appeared monstrous with the practically 20,000 Knicks followers in attendance, as Wembanyama put forth a disappointing efficiency in his MSG debut because the Spurs suffered a 126-105 loss to fall to 3-5 this season.
The 2023 No. 1 total decide completed with 14 factors on 4-of-14 capturing whereas including 9 rebounds, two assists and one block. He was held to 2 factors within the first half and was 0-of-7 from the sector earlier than making his first shot late within the third quarter.
Whereas Wembanyama has all of the expertise and potential on this planet, he is proven an absence of aggression at instances all through this season. He was rendered just about nonexistent for many of Wednesday’s sport whereas going through the second-ranked protection within the NBA. The 19-year-old was pushed round all night time by the Knicks frontcourt of Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein and Julius Randle.
Followers on social media did not maintain again their disappointment in Wembanyama’s MSG debut:
br_betting @br_betting
My bankroll after betting on Wemby in his MSG debut pic.twitter.com/VI1K6Kkv1k
Howard Beck @HowardBeck
Knicks followers simply went to the “Overrated” chant right here at MSG. Oof. Welcome to NY, Wemby.
Rit Holtzman @BenRitholtzNBA
The Knicks, and primarily Mitch and iHart, have simply beat Wemby up.
New York is extraordinarily properly geared up to do it, however that is going to be the blueprint for groups going ahead.
Kris Pursiainen @krispursiainen
Brunson in isolation with Wembanyama. Crowd consuming it up. Brunson pulls from a number of ft behind the arc – drills it.
Knicks 116, Spurs 99.
𝕭ron (Parody) @cookedbylegoat
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA AT HALFTIME
2 PTS
0/5 2PT
0/3 3PT
0% FG
2/2 FT
2TO
-16
Baguette Bol placing on a present at MSG!!!! pic.twitter.com/OsJDCuu9wK
Huge Knick Vitality @BigKnickEnergy_
I guess the Backyard appears actual fkn huge now with 20,000 Knicks followers cheering at your unhealthy play Wemby.
Knicks Memes @KnicksMemes
Wembanyama at Madison Sq. Backyard pic.twitter.com/gsfg8HnpHG
Julito McCullum aka LITO @IamJulito
Son these Spurs gamers hate Wemby lmao they don’t move him the ball
Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein displaying as much as guard Victor Wembanyama tonight pic.twitter.com/Iv1omGqT9X
KnicksRe 🇳🇬 @Lonrinho
wemby when enjoying the Knicks at MSG pic.twitter.com/CE1LKyxdXb
FanDuel Sportsbook @FDSportsbook
Simply checked Wemby’s level whole tonight pic.twitter.com/Qn3vUqrZE0
It is nonetheless early within the season, so it is comprehensible that Wembanyama remains to be adjusting to the NBA. Nonetheless, he will not be let off the hook for shrinking underneath the brilliant lights.
NBA stars are giving Wembanyama their finest effort, so he needs to be ready to match that degree of depth every time he is on the ground.
Wembanyama will search for a greater displaying when the Spurs return to motion on Friday in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
