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Updated 01/11/2023 at 09:52 GMT
Victor Wembanyama is living the dream after coming out on top against the man he considers to be his idol, Kevin Durant. The 19-year-old made a telling impact after scoring 18 points against Phoenix Suns, who led for almost the whole match before letting their lead slip with 1.2 seconds remaining. Meanwhile, there were also wins for the Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks.
Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns talk during the game on October 31, 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizon
Image credit: Getty Images
No.1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama starred in the San Antonio Spurs’ incredible 115-114 comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns, recovering to win with just one second left on the clock.
Wembanyama scored 18 points in the match and played a key role in starting the Spurs’ second-half comeback, reducing the Suns’ lead to one point with a put-back dunk.
Keldon Johnson completed the victory with the winning basket at the death, putting Gregg Popovich’s side in front for the first time in the entire match.
Wembanyama spoke about facing his idol Kevin Durant on the night and working with coach Popovich.
“He’s [Durant] just like in the highlights and everything I expected, but I thought that every night [in the NBA] is going to be special in one way or another,” he told TNT Sports.
“Sometimes I want to think ‘this is the guy I’ve watched for 10 years, and is my idol,’ but I’ve got to lock in and think he’s going to try to step in one me, so I’ve got to lock in and don’t care that he’s my idol.
“I like to be with a coach that’s honest, that’s going to be into me and be relentless with me and Popovich is like that.
“From the first day of practice, he showed that we’re going to be patient but not lose any time.”
Wembanyama also believes that Spurs is the right side for his development, and trusts that Popovich is the best man to take them on a quest towards an NBA championship.
“I’m new here; I don’t know what it takes to win a championship, but I’m here to find out and make the sacrifices,” he added.
“The good thing is I have total trust in my organisation and coach, so it’s going to take the time that it needs to take.”
Suns star Durant was also quizzed on the 19-year-old’s progress after the game, and is predicting a bright future for the young Frenchman.
“He’s a unique player that’s going to be a force in this league for a long time. Once he gets more experience under his belt, he’s just going to get better.”
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks showcased their defensive qualities with a 109-91 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Knicks took the lead in the first quarter and kept it for the entirety of the match.
Julius Randle had a memorable evening, scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell claimed 26 points for a Cavaliers side that succumbed to their third defeat of the season.
Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Clippers overcame the Orlando Magic 118-102, as Paul George scored 27 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
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