San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama made his highly anticipated debut at the most famous arena in the world, Madison Square Garden in New York. The Knicks arena has witnessed some historic debuts and performances in the past. But it looks like Wembanyama will not be lucky enough to add his name to the list of legendary MSG debuts. The San Antonio Spurs are facing the New York Knicks tonight at MSG, and the Knicks have completely shut down the 19-year-old rookie.
After an abysmal first-half performance by Victor Wembanyama, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich surrendered to the New York Knicks? brutal attack on the rookie.
Gregg Popovich has no answer for the New York Knicks
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While the NBA world expected Victor Wembanyama to come out all guns blazing in his MSG debut, the New York Knicks had other plans. They were not ready to be a victim of the French sensation and contained him to just 2 points in the first half. The Knicks had a great first-half performance and took a 14-point lead to end the half. They completely shut Wembanyama down with their lockdown defense. Gregg Popovich addressed the Knicks? brutal attack after a disappointing first-half performance, “How can we disrupt their offense? I have no idea”.
“How can we disrupt their offense? I have no idea”
?? Pop after the Knicks doubled up the Spurs in the first quarter pic.twitter.com/2VYHplVG1s
? New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 9, 2023
It is possible that Gregg Popovich was not serious in his answer, as he is notoriously popular for his sarcastic comments in interviews during games. Coach Pop has given the NBA world tons of viral and hilarious moments with his blunt responses during interviews. And this might be another one of his classics. The veteran coach will probably have a game plan to bounce back in the game.
Historic debuts at Madison Square Garden
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It is a dream for every basketball player to play at Madison Square Garden. But very few etch their names in history with their incredible performances. Several rookies have taken their careers to the next level after their debut performances at MSG. Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain had the best debut performance at MSG as a rookie, scoring 43 points and grabbing 28 rebounds in 1959. He still holds the record for most points scored as a rookie in their MSG debut.
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Other historic MSG debuts include Michael Jordan?s 33-point performance in 1984, Allen Iverson?s 35-point performance in 1996, and Hakeem Olajuwon?s 30-point and 25-rebound performance in 1985.
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Victor Wembanyama had a chance to be mentioned in the same sentence as these great players, but it seems unlikely after his first-half performance at MSG.
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