NBA – Sanctioned by Gregg Popovich, Wembanyama cash: “I am ready to…

Gregg Popovich et Victor Wembanyama

Gregg Popovich and Victor WembanyamaSpurs (DR) / NBA (DR)

In full rout during the first half, the Spurs put on a very worrying spectacle against the Hawks this Monday evening. Gregg Popovich was quick to punish Victor Wembanyama and his team after returning from the locker room, to which the Frenchman reacted.

Not necessarily so far from winning the match, the Spurs lost by only 10 points this Monday evening against the Hawks: 99-109. It remains a small miracle when we see the first two quarters, Trae Young’s teammates having outrageously dominated this meeting against a silent Victor Wembanyama (0 points) in the first half. Then Gregg Popovich got angry.

Blake Wesley, Cedi Osman, Dominick Barlow start the second half in place of Tre Jones, Devin Vassell, Victor Wembanyama.

Gregg Popovich benches Wemby

Unhappy with the effort of his players, including Wembanyama, Pop decided to simply bench them. A decision which caused debate, but it is clear that it allowed the Frenchman to wake up. He finished his match with 26 points (all after the locker room), 12/18 shooting, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks. Not bad considering his departure.

At a press conference, Wemby returned to Pop’s decision at halftime:

Wembanyama: “The message was strong, he said we should be embarrassed. We probably had the worst first half in a long time. That’s why he changed the lineup, he wanted to put in players he trusted and show the starters how we should have played. »

“It’s important sometimes to learn a new role. I love being coached, being threatened, I’m ready to be sent to the G-League if I don’t play the right way. I like it when there are consequences for my mistakes. »

Being benched? Not a problem for Victor Wembanyama, happy that Gregg Popovich decided to sanction the holders. The Frenchman admits that he did not play well in the first half, before waking up. Hopefully this match serves as a lesson in the future.