NBA Summer League: Wemby Bounces Back in Game 2
PARADISE, NEVADA— Victor Wembanyama’s (Wemby) stellar performance in Game 2 of the summer league put an end to all those questioning his worth after his debut. Not that the 19-year-old No. 1 draft pick cared, but it was clear that Wemby had his focus on his game and that was it. The young athlete has been under the scrutiny of the world, after allegations of his bodyguard punching pop star Britney Spears in the face - yes, you read that correctly. The allegations caused quite the frenzy throughout social media, as a video showcases an eager Spears rushing up to Wemby to “congratulate his new success,” only seconds after the bodyguard whips his hand backward, protecting Wemby, and ultimately hitting Spears in the face. Spears alleges she was going to congratulate Wemby, but Wemby claims he didn’t even know what fully occurred.
“I couldn’t stop. That person was calling me, ‘Sir, sir,’ and that person grabbed me from behind,” Wembanyama said. “I didn’t see what happened because I was walking straight and didn’t stop. That person grabbed me from behind — not on my shoulder, she grabbed me from behind. I just know the security pushed her away. I don’t know with how much force but security pushed her away. I didn’t stop to look so I could walk in and enjoy a nice dinner,” said Wembanyama.
Turns out that person was the one and only Grammy-winning pop star, Britney Spears.
“I thought it was no big deal, and then security of the Spurs told me it was Britney Spears,” Wembanyama said. “At first, I was like, ‘You’re joking,’ but yeah, it turns out it was Britney Spears. I never saw her face. I just kept walking straight.”
Despite all the media drama and a battery investigation, Wemby had to get suited for his debut in a Spurs uniform. Only, the debut didn’t go quite as expected. Let’s just say, Wemby did not have an explosive debut scoring nine points, collecting eight rebounds, three assists, and five blocks while going 2-for-13 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free throw line. It was clear he was exhausted after checking out, and Wemby admitted he needs to work on his conditioning.
"I think there's a lot of conditioning to do," Wembanyama said. "Especially with our play style, we run a lot. It's really exhausting. Even though it was 40 minutes tonight, when I subbed out, I was always tired and exhausted. So I think there's a lot of conditioning to do."
Ultimately the Spurs won 76-68 in front of a sellout crowd at the Thomas & Mack Center. And they were onto the next game on Sunday, and it was indeed, a night and day performance from the last game! Wemby scored 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting with 12 rebounds and three blocks as the San Antonio Spurs fell 85-80 to the Scoot Henderson-less Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Wemby’s outstanding performance put a “shhhh” to the ones questioning his game. This young baller has a lot to prove, and we’re excited to see his impact in the NBA.
