On Wednesday, the San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, took on the LA Clippers for their third matchup of the season. After a quick break following their Paris games against the Pacers, the Spurs were back on the court. Wembanyama started strong, racking up seven points, three rebounds, and one assist in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Harrison Barnes chipped in with four points and three assists, helping the Spurs secure a slim 32-30 lead by the end of the period.
But in the second quarter, the Clippers cranked up their defense, forcing Wembanyama to settle for just one basket on four attempts. That’s when Devin Vassell took charge, stepping in with nine points and one assist to keep the team in the game. Despite his solid play, the Spurs couldn’t hold onto the lead, trailing 67-60 as the halftime buzzer sounded.
But something happened in the third quarter, which angered the French phenom. Out of nowhere, Ivica Zubac shoved Wembanyama with just 5 minutes left in the third quarter, sending him flying right in front of the Spurs bench. Wemby wasn’t about to take that lightly. He jumped up, refusing help, and immediately went after Zubac. Thankfully, his teammates stepped in quickly, stopping him before things got even messier. It was one of those moments where you could feel the tension rising.
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Victor Wembanyama running after Zubac. 😳
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 30, 2025
After Wemby rejected Zubac’s shot yet again, it seemed like the Clippers big man finally snapped. You could tell he’d had enough of getting embarrassed on national TV. Instead of handling it like a pro, Zubac decided to shove Wemby, sending him crashing to the floor in front of the Spurs bench.
He ain’t a rookie no more. He’ll fight for himself. He’s not going to let disrespect slide. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman is already exceeding expectations people had from him and he’s changing the NBA.
Victor Wembanyama has taken the NBA by storm
Victor Wembanyama has been a basketball prodigy since he was a kid. People saw his potential to change the game, and everything around him was carefully crafted to ensure he’d reach his full capabilities. His path to the NBA was almost a given, and he landed with the perfect team: the San Antonio Spurs. Known for developing young talent, the Spurs were the ideal place for Wembanyama to grow.
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In his rookie season, Wemby wasted no time making an impact. His mix of elite defense, mind-blowing technical skills for a 7’4” player, and poise for his age had everyone talking. By the end of the year, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year, led the league in blocks, and earned All-Defensive First Team honors. Talk about a debut!
Now in his second season, Wembanyama is exceeding expectations. His stats—24.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.7 blocks per game—are insane for a guy his size. Damian Lillard put it best: “He’s always in range to block a shot, to change a shot.” It’s clear Wemby’s defensive presence is shaking things up.
When Wembanyama’s on the floor, the Spurs’ defense improves dramatically—nearly 11 points per 100 possessions. He also makes opponents rethink their entire game plan, with 5% fewer layups and dunks when he’s out there.
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Wembanyama isn’t just changing the game now; he’s sending a warning to the rest of the NBA. The future is bright—and a little terrifying—for anyone who faces him.
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Debate
Was Wembanyama right to confront Zubac, or should he have kept his cool on the court?
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Was Wembanyama right to confront Zubac, or should he have kept his cool on the court?
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