Victor Wembanyama Comments on the Pace of the Game Amid Challenges Against Lakers
After an impressive start to the season, Victor Wembanyama faced difficulties during the San Antonio Spurs' narrow 118-116 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. Speaking to reporters following the Spurs' second consecutive loss, Wembanyama remarked that the game "feels fast right now," mainly because opponents have changed their defensive tactics to specifically counter him.
Adjusting to New Defensive Strategies
"Personally, I haven't seen this kind of defense from teams," Wembanyama explained. "So we need to adapt as a collective. In the Phoenix game, it was the case as well. We're learning."
He highlighted the Lakers' use of multiple double-teams as a major challenge during the game.
"Mostly, it was the doubling," he said. "They probably walked in shootaround through all our situations because it seemed like they were very ready. It felt like they let me catch the ball, but they were ready to double to rotate after that."
Game Performance Details
- Wembanyama scored 19 points on 5-of-14 shooting.
- He grabbed eight rebounds and committed five turnovers in 33 minutes.
- He fouled out with under two minutes remaining, while the Spurs trailed 113-112.
- San Antonio had a final chance to tie the game with one second left, but Julian Champagnie missed two free throws, sealing the Lakers' victory.
- This was the second time in seven games this season that Wembanyama fouled out — surpassing his total from the past two seasons combined.
The Spurs continue to learn how to overcome evolving defensive pressures as opponents focus heavily on limiting Wembanyama's impact.
Author’s summary: Victor Wembanyama faces increased defensive pressure as teams adapt, with his Spurs struggling to adjust, leading to key struggles and narrow defeats early in the season.