Gregg Popovich Pleads for Victor Wembanyama and Spurs Rookies After Dropping 17th Straight

The Houston Rockets handed the San Antonio Spurs their 17th straight loss at the Toyota Center tonight. Defeating Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs 82-93, the Rockets are at 11-9. The 17th loss is a new franchise record. While it’s nowhere near some of the worst records in recent years, the Spurs do have the worst start through 22 games in franchise history.

Wembanyama is averaging 18.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game this season. So, even though he seems to be doing well, the rest of his teammates are having a hard time. And that could be why Pop was seen explaining their circumstances to reporters.

Gregg Popovich pleads on behalf of the Spurs rookies

Post-game media talks saw Gregg Popovich defending Wemby and the rookies. “They are growing in all kinds of ways, and just wish they could catch a break,” he said.

Catching a break seems to be a hard case for San Antonio now. The first quarter saw the Spurs taking the lead with Cedi Osman in charge of the reigns. Their defense was also particularly great, holding the Rockets to just 23% shooting in the first phase.

From there, it was a back-and-forth game, until the fourth quarter. Houston Rockets were quick to turn things around in their favor. Led by Tari Eason and Fred VanVleet in the fourth quarter, the ‘Bayou City’ hit 4 of their 12 threes. The game finished with Eason leading (18 points), VanVleet and Sengun following with 16 and 15, respectively.

What pulled San Antonio down was their shooting. They managed to shoot just 5/41 from the deep. But as Pop said, “You just gotta make a shot in the NBA.” 

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Victor Wembanyama still shines through the dust

While his team has been having a hard time standing steady, Wemby has been doing his best to keep the ship from tilting. Their previous loss to the Chicago Bulls saw Wembanyama with 21 points and 20 rebounds, the youngest player in NBA history with a 20-point, 20-rebound game.

He had a brilliant night in this game as well, landing a double-double with 15 points and 18 rebounds. Wemby also made 7 of 15 shots from the field. There is a reason the 19-year-old leads the team in points and rebounds. The Frenchman’s monster dunk on the Rockets’ big man, Alperen Sengun, was another highlight of tonight’s game.

The Spurs will be facing the In-Season Tournament champions, the Los Angeles Lakers next. Maybe the Spurs will catch that break and get the Lakers still reeling from the victory hangover.

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