The San Antonio Spurs aren’t a great NBA team right now. But they do have a plan.
His name is Victor Wembanyama.
And fans like plans, even if they include a lot of losses in the short term, which the Spurs certainly are providing. Even the most storied franchises must go through rough times. And with their dreadful record, the Spurs are the definition of rough.
But anytime a generational talent comes along, he’s worth our attention. And Wembanyama checks all the boxes of being a generational talent.
The 7-4 Frenchman has the rookie of the year award virtually locked up, even while playing for such a poor team. Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren is the only other player in the conversation.
Wembanyama is averaging 20.1 points and 10.4 rebounds and rookies just don’t do that very often. They do sometimes shoot 31.9 percent from three-point land. But not usually when they are 7-4. To be that accurate from distance at his size this early in his career is impressive.
This is rare stuff.
So when the Spurs come to American Airlines Center on Wednesday for the last time this season, it’s going to be one of those nights when you want to be there.
Here’s what else to look for when the Spurs come calling:
- San Antonio is coming off a 122-99 blowout win at Toronto (just their third road win of the season) and in that game, Wembanyama had perhaps the game of the season statistically. He rolled up 27 points, 14 rebounds, 10 rebounds and five assists. He hit 10 of 14 shots (2 of 4 from three land). The Spurs also got 25 points from Devin Vassell in that game.
- This will be the Spurs’ last game of the pre-All-Star-break portion of the season. But technically it’s just the middle game of a nine-game trip that will continue after the break. The Spurs traditionally have this long trip bridging the break while the rodeo occupies their arena in San Antonio.
- The Mavericks have done a terrific job of staying focused with the All-Star break looming. Winners of five in a row, they will try to stay perfect over the last two weeks. Then they will scatter after this game to take a breather and recharge for the stretch run when they return Feb. 22 at home against Phoenix.
- Dereck Lively II has been upgraded to questionable for this game after missing the last seven with a nasal fracture. Dante Exum (knee) remains out.
- The Mavericks are favored by 11½ points and the over/under is 241.5 points.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS () at MAVERICKS (31-23)
- When/where: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, American Airlines Center, Dallas.
- TV: Bally’s Sports Southwest.
- Radio: 97.1 FM The Freak; 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish).
X: @ESefko
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