Victor Wembanyama Vs The Golden State Warriors

Winter is coming !

By Lamar Battle

During a pre-season tune-up between the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors a real game broke out.

The Warriors proud and experienced champions that they are decided that this was a good time to make an impression on the Spurs and their new hot-shot rookie Victor Wembanyama sort of like they did to the Sacramento Kings in a statement game earlier in the week.

The Kid Makes His Teammates better:

The Warriors got a close-up view of what has so many people excited about Wemby.  Generally, when observers say that a player makes his teammates better, they are referring to racking up assist numbers and getting shots for his guys.

However, there is a special category for guys who by their very presence can up the performance level of their teammates, Wemby falls in this lane.  The Spurs shot well and were extremely quick to the ball. Keeping in mind team defense is generally one of the toughest things to teach the Spurs were tenacious and on a string. How shall I say this? They made the Warriors look a step slow.

Somebody Taught the Kid How to play:

Wemby understands ball movement, floor balance and setting up his teammates for pinpoint passes. Offensively Wemby gave a sneak look into his bag as he shot comfortably from distance, mid-range and at the rim. All of this was done with minimum effort. (Team high 19 points, four rebounds and five blocks).

Defense-Defense-Defense:

Most people predicted that Wemby would be an above average shot blocker but could they have envisioned the blocking of jumpshots after giving his opponents plenty of room to get their shots off. This is due mostly to his better than average perimeter defensive foot work shown when he managed to stay in front of guard Chris Paul who was finding it difficult to get past Wemby or get his shot off. Wemby is also good at help, shading and deflections (all stats that endear players to their teammates).

Winter Is Coming:

This of course was just a pre-season game, but Warrior’s star Steph Curry's expression told it all.  Steph had the look of a man headed to his second job after finishing a double shift on the docks. ( Steph usually saves this look until just prior to play off close-out games).

The Warriors brought their A game but faced what is quickly becoming a buzz-saw with a guru at coach and led by a guy with greatness written all over him.

 Yep, winter is coming, and a lot sooner than we thought.