San Antonio Spurs

In the spirit of the holiday season, Victor Wembanyama helped out a San Antonio Spurs fan who missed out on seeing the rookie sensation due to an ankle injury before a Dec. 23 game against the Dallas Mavericks.

The fan posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Wembanyama reached out over direct message to hook him up with tickets to Thursday's game between the Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks

@Wemby thank you for the tickets and I’ll never forget tonight

Messaged me personally and sent me tickets to one of the best games the NBA has seen this year and I enjoyed every single second. As a diehard Spurs fan I’m Beyond grateful.

The 5 hour drive was well worth it https://t.co/RXPhjeQ90Q pic.twitter.com/9LUTPqKqDI

— Spurs Era (@EraSpurs) January 5, 2024

Wembanyama reached out after he posted that he received tickets to the Spurs-Mavs game two weeks ago as a Christmas gift to see the rookie phenom, but the 20-year-old was scratched shortly before tipoff when he rolled his ankle tripping over a ball boy.

It can be argued things worked out better for the fan this way. Maybe the result of the Spurs-Mavs game would have been different if Wembanyama played, but it did end in a Mavs victory.

Luka Dončić had a triple-double with 39 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the win, which would have been a thrill to see in person, as well.

But not even a Dončić triple-double could match the show that Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo put on Thursday night. They combined for 71 points and 23 rebounds in a thrilling 125-121 win for the Bucks.

Wembanyama had several highlight moments against Antetokounmpo, both offensively and defensively.

Wemby stood TALL for his 5th block of the game at a crucial point.

Spurs fell short in a thriller. https://t.co/yakubmgawx pic.twitter.com/zWh1CyH6EZ

— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2024

WEMBY ALLEY OOP TO HIMSELF 😱 pic.twitter.com/w84DWsU4Lt

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 5, 2024

Antetokounmpo took control of the game in the second half, scoring 29 of his 44 points after the intermission to lift the Bucks to a victory. He made back-to-back threes in the final three minutes to turn a three-point deficit into a 121-118 lead.

Wembanyama answered with a three of his own that tied the score at 121. Antetokounmpo's three-point play with 53 seconds remaining proved to be the difference.

There aren't going to be many regular-season games better than what the Bucks and Spurs did on Thursday night. The fan who got to attend the game thanks to Wembanyama probably won't forget it anytime soon.

Victor Wembanyama put on a show on his 20th birthday Thursday night in a 125-121 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

The San Antonio Spurs rookie had 27 points, nine rebounds and five blocks on the night while battling against Bucks' superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the Spurs couldn't come away with the win, it was a positive sign to see San Antonio, which is now 5-29 on the season, playing close against one of the best teams in the NBA.

Wembanyama also provided a few memorable highlights on his birthday.

OH MY GOODNESS WEMBY 😱

Bucks-Spurs on TNT pic.twitter.com/6lHbOH3cr3

— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2024

Wemby is ROLLING in the 3Q and up to 19 PTS for the game 🔥

📺 Bucks-Spurs on TNT pic.twitter.com/ZLYzNRWzHw

— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2024

THROW 👏 IT 👏 DOWN! pic.twitter.com/IOFTqPlqmy

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 5, 2024

WEMBY ALLEY OOP TO HIMSELF 😱 pic.twitter.com/w84DWsU4Lt

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 5, 2024

Wemby STRETCHES to block the corner 3 😳

📺 Bucks-Spurs on TNT pic.twitter.com/LnjsVPjjeE

— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2024

With the game coming down to the wire, Wembanyama came up with a clutch block against Damian Lillard and followed it up with a three at the end.

WEMBY BLOCK INTO 3 TIES IT UP.

121-121.

Bucks-Spurs on TNT pic.twitter.com/1WFaT2wU9N

— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2024

In the final minute of the game with the Spurs down three, he once again came up with a huge block, this time over Antetokounmpo.

Wemby rejection preserves the 3-point deficit!

Spurs have the ball down 3 with 16.5 seconds remaining on TNT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/1P2y2a3ebM

— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2024

The pair of clutch plays ultimately weren't enough as San Antonio came up short in the final seconds.

Despite the loss, another big game for Wembanyama full of highlights had NBA fans excited for what's to come for the emerging star. The battle between Wembanyama and Antetokounmpo also gave fans some regular-season excitement.

Wemby lob to himself

Wemby behind the back and slam for the and-1

Wemby blocking everything pic.twitter.com/oxCLSHpH5B

— ɢᴀʙʀɪᴇʟ (@JeeVee84) January 5, 2024

Wemby just provided help on the left block against Giannis, forced a pass and rotated all the way to the right corner to block Pat Connaughton's 3. He's unbelievable

— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) January 5, 2024

WEMBY so nice 🤣

— Tyrese Maxey (@TyreseMaxey) January 5, 2024

Wemby masterclass

— AA (@adwbood) January 5, 2024

Wemby WOW. Not from this planet

— Lukmaan Jameel (@LUKYJ01) January 5, 2024

Wemby is putting up a great performance against a front court that he is supposed to struggle against

— LegendOfWinning (@LegendOfWinning) January 5, 2024

It's easy to see how Wemby's scoring + overall offense are gonna explode once contact doesn't so easily bump him off his spots downhill. The length, flexibility + coordination are absurd, while the passing is rapidly developing.

And he already looks like a top-5ish defender.

— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) January 5, 2024

once Wemby is able to take contact it’s over for the league

There is legitimately nobody going to be able to stop him

— J (@jtakuz) January 5, 2024

WEMBY VS GIANNIS IS BASKETBALL PACIFIC RIM

— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) January 5, 2024

I never seen someone block Giannis like that

Wemby is CRAZY man

— Barflaan Tedoe 🇱🇷 (@The_Barftender) January 5, 2024

Dude...Wemby vs. Giannis is INCREDIBLE

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 5, 2024

The Wemby Giannis matchup pic.twitter.com/QDyiOX3zpP

— 《Juliana Aaron》 (@julzzay) January 5, 2024

GIANNIS VS. WEMBY TONIGHT

Giannis Antetokounmpo:
44 PTS - 14 REB - 7 AST - 67% FG

Victor Wembanyama:
27 PTS - 9 REB - 5 BLK - 55% FG

🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/2rWG8gwjyT

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 5, 2024

Giannis exiting his prime vs. wemby trying to win his first ring against him in the 2028 finals going to be generational

— Dom2K 🎅🎇 (@Dom_2k) January 5, 2024

The Spurs might not be making a Finals run this season, but Thursday night's game from Wembanyama provided evidence he's ready to show up for his team in big moments.

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich told reporters on Thursday that standout rookie Victor Wembanyama has been "frustrated" with his minutes restriction due to an ankle injury.

"Definitely he is frustrated with the minutes' restriction, but he's also intelligent enough to understand long-term is what we are interested in," Popovich said.

Wembanyama checked himself into the Spurs' 106-98 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday during the second half, recording just 26 minutes in the defeat. He was eventually taken back out for the remainder of the game.

"He didn't like it, but he understood. I am glad he didn't like it," Popovich added, per Tom Osborn of the San Antonio Express-News.

Wembanyama's minutes restriction is expected to remain in place until his ankle is completely healed.

The Spurs' medical staff will re-examine his ankle "within the next week or two," according to the three-time NBA Coach of the Year.

The 20-year-old sustained the injury prior to San Antonio's matchup with the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 23, stepping on the foot of a ball boy after taking a layup while warming up. His minutes have been reduced ever since, with Popovich telling reporters on Dec. 29 that he won't be playing in back-to-back games for "a couple of weeks" until he's healthy (via ESPN's Andrew Lopez).

After averaging 30.2 minutes in 25 appearances before the ankle issue, Wembanyama is recording just 24.6 minutes each night in four games since. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft has still matched the lofty expectations that were placed upon him prior to his NBA career, though.

Wembanyama is averaging 18.9 points and 10.2 rebounds to go along with a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game. While his shooting has been inconsistent, the 7'4" phenom is still drilling 1.4 triples each night. He's also posting a respectable 78.4 percent mark on free throws, signaling that an uptick in his current 29.4 three-point percentage could be coming.

WEMBY ONE-LEGGED 3-POINTER 😱 pic.twitter.com/RkYAeXOHMW

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 3, 2024

Wembanyama will look to make an impact during the Spurs' next game, a marquee matchup with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The San Antonio Spurs are focused on the future with Victor Wembanyama, while the Memphis Grizzlies are attempting to climb back into the playoff race in the present.

That was apparent Tuesday.

Memphis defeated San Antonio 106-98 in the Western Conference showdown at FedExForum to snap a three-game losing streak and improve to 11-22 overall. The Spurs have lost three in a row themselves now and are an ugly 5-28 on the campaign.

Still, Wembanyama impressed despite being on a minutes restriction and finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and four blocks on 8-of-16 shooting from the field and 2-of-5 shooting from deep.

While Desmond Bane (24 points on 11-of-17 shooting from the field) and Ja Morant (26 points, 10 assists and five rebounds) impressed for the Grizzlies, it was the 19-year-old who turned heads on social media:

WEMBY BLOCKS JA ✋ pic.twitter.com/9FVk2VjSpE

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 3, 2024

Wemby throws down the two-hand slam 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/aPR1xVtARs

— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 3, 2024

Victor dunk #2 ✅✅ pic.twitter.com/iEz9KVCspx

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 3, 2024

WEMBY ONE-LEGGED 3-POINTER 😱 pic.twitter.com/RkYAeXOHMW

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 3, 2024

Wemby is not real man lmao https://t.co/bRgIlH52Kh

— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) January 3, 2024

The Spurs are finally throwing lobs to Wemby consistently! pic.twitter.com/83EJs2Lknv

— PJ Hoops (@RealPjHoops) January 3, 2024

Watching Wemby on defense pic.twitter.com/wz2LonMKh8

— dylan (@dylangonzalez21) January 3, 2024

https://twitter.com/coach_macgyver/status/1742353886780748172

Wemby is playing out of his mind on defense tonight, which is kind of crazy, considering how good on defense he already was

His ceiling really is unfathomable

— Devon Birdsong (@DevonBirdsong) January 3, 2024

Wemby with the one legged 3🔥🔥🔥

— Spurs Legion (@SpursLegion) January 3, 2024

Wembanyama blocking Grizz shots tonight like.... #porvida #nba #sanantonio pic.twitter.com/dpKX4iJVFb

— JeffGSpursKENS5 (@JeffGSpursZone) January 3, 2024

there are gonna be millions of dogs in SA named Wemby

— dylan (@dylangonzalez21) January 3, 2024

Victor Wembanyama does one thing every game that just makes my jaw drop!

— PJ Hoops (@RealPjHoops) January 3, 2024

Wembanyama is always going to generate headlines when he takes the court, but the Grizzlies are the ones trying to climb back into playoff positioning after an abysmal start to the season when Morant was suspended.

They seemed to be doing just that when they won their first four games after he returned, but they entered Tuesday's contest in need of a win after three straight losses. There is no better opponent in the Western Conference to get one against than the Spurs at home, but Wembanyama's defense made it easier said than done.

The star rookie threw an early block party with four swats in the first half alone, including on a drive to the rim from Morant. He also added multiple monster dunks and mixed in a three-pointer on the offensive end while hinting at his massive potential and overall versatility.

It looked like he was playing horse when he gave the Spurs the lead in the third quarter with a three-pointer off one leg, but Bane responded with a 7-0 run by himself to give Memphis the lead for good.

Morant also got some revenge for the earlier block:

JA DUNK ON WEMBY 😱 pic.twitter.com/MOK9WiYvQI

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 3, 2024

The home team never looked back after Bane's spurt and now has some momentum heading into another winnable contest against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. As for Wembanyama, his Spurs will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.

Victor Wembanyama has been anything but a disappointment early in his NBA career, but some NBA superstars see the San Antonio Spurs rookie pressing to live up to his massive hype.

"Not trying to be too critical. Obviously, extremely talented. Right now, there's so much hype around him, I think he's trying to live up to the hype," Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid told David Aldridge of The Athletic. "That's what I see. And I watch a lot of games. I think, first of all, he has to figure out where he wants to play, whether he wants to be a guard or a big or whatever. It's not necessarily whether he wants to be a guard or a big; it's what he wants to become.

"Do you want to become KD, or do you want to become me? Not KD, or like a version of those guys — you want to combine everything. Right now, I just feel like everything kind of feels a little forced, in the way that he's playing. Which is not bad. Because the only way to get better is to play through it and learn. That's the only way. You make a lot of mistakes, and you learn."

Wembanyama is averaging 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks over his first 25 NBA games, numbers that put him in a two-man conversation with Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren for Rookie of the Year. While Holmgren has been putting up numbers for a winning team in Oklahoma City, Wembanyama's Spurs sit at a disappointing 4-24.

Much of this can be attributed to their respective supporting casts. Holmgren is playing next to an MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a fellow young emerging forward in Jalen Williams. Wembanyama is playing on a team where the Spurs are throwing power forward Jeremy Sochan out at point guard and hoping for the best.

It would be borderline impossible for Wembanyama not to press given the miscast roster surrounding him. That has led to some bad habits—most notably turnovers and forced shots—but the Spurs are fine with allowing him to learn on the fly.

All parties involved are banking on these growing pains being part of a long-term building plan.

San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks with an ankle injury, the team announced, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

Wembanyama stepped on the foot of a ball boy during warmups and after his ankle was re-taped, the Spurs made the decision to keep him out of the game, MacMahon added.

Wemby out for the game after stepping on Mavs employee during warmups 🚨 pic.twitter.com/fupZJCHTVP

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 24, 2023

Wembanyama has missed time this season with ankle and hip injuries, and any physical setback is going to raise concern given how important he is to the long-term outlook of the franchise.

He was arguably the most hyped prospect to enter the NBA since LeBron James did so in the 2003 draft, and the Spurs jumped at the chance to select him with the No. 1 overall pick.

The rookie is averaging 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 3.0 blocks in 25 games while shooting 43.5 percent from the floor and 27.9 percent from deep.

Wembanyama's overall health is far more important than individual games at this point for the struggling Spurs, so expect them to exercise an element of caution before making any decisions about bringing him back.

They can rely on the combination of Zach Collins and Sandro Mamukelashvili down low in the meantime while they wait for their franchise cornerstone to full recover from his latest injury concern.

The San Antonio Spurs' struggles continued Thursday night as they dropped their 23rd game of the season to the Chicago Bulls 114-95.

It wasn't a great showing from No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama, who had seven points and five rebounds. The rookie played just 22 minutes, less than the Spurs' sixth man Zach Collins, who played 28 minutes.

But some fans don't blame Wembanyama for his struggles in the game, instead they look to the coaching.

As the Spurs' frustration continues, fans called out head coach Gregg Popovich on social media, blaming the seasoned coach for potentially mismanaging Wembanyama.

https://twitter.com/raypeterr/status/1738025224401199541

why does pop hate wemby

— 𝙓𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙧 🌪 (@xay_____) December 22, 2023

Nice to hear Stacey King talk about how Sochan seems to ignore Wemby when he has the ball. Pop and Sochan will pay for their crimes.

— Jason Lincoln (@VinoFiIipino) December 22, 2023

Genuinely stunned by the Spurs (and especially Pop’s) completely mismanagement of Wemby thus far. https://t.co/fj1K7g9xIl

— i have beam deficiency (@metufanclub) December 22, 2023

Man, I feel like I was the last person trying to defend Pop but this has gotten out of hand. How can he miss that everyone is blatantly ignoring Wemby?!

— Andy Gutierrez (@Guillotine210) December 22, 2023

Not running ANY plays for Wemby. Cmon Pop…

— Diego Valdes (@dvald11) December 22, 2023

After an 18-game losing streak, the Spurs showed signs of life against the Los Angeles Lakers last week, but they've since lost their last three games and aren't showing any signs of improvements.

Amid the Spurs' struggles Wembanyama entered the day averaging 19 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, which is the second-most in the league.

San Antonio fans are hoping to return to the days of winning, but the Spurs will need to make some adjustments to do so.

San Antonio Spurs rookie superstar Victor Wembanyama is listed as out for Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to right ankle soreness, per ESPN's Andrew Lopez.

This will be just the second game the 2023 No. 1 overall pick has missed this season.

Wembanyama has averaged team highs of 19.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 1.3 steals through 24 games for the 4-21 Spurs.

The Frenchman entered the NBA as the most highly touted draft prospect since LeBron James in 2003. The 7'5" big man possesses guard-like handles and can stretch the floor from deep, and he's also a defensive menace, especially in the shot-blocking department.

The 19-year-old also started his NBA career with professional experience, notably leading Metropolitans 92 to the championship round of the LNB Pro A, the top French men's professional basketball league.

Wembanyama averaged 21.6 points on 47.0 percent shooting, 10.4 rebounds and three blocks per game.

Unfortunately, the exciting rookie will be sidelined as he rests his ankle.

Hopefully he's able to return to 100 percent as soon as possible, but until then, the Spurs' frontcourt depth will be tested.

The New Orleans Pelicans' 146-110 Sunday victory over the San Antonio Spurs was not enough to make Zion Williamson overlook Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama.

"He's a threat all over the court," Williamson said, per Project Spurs' Paul Garcia. "He's gonna be a matchup nightmare because he can get his shot off whenever he wants."

"And I think the more he plays in the NBA-style offense, the better he'll get at it. His presence alone can alter a lot of shots. He has long arms, is tall, so just his presence alone can affect the offense on the other side."

The game represented the first meeting between Williamson, the No. 1 pick of the 2019 draft, and Wembanyama, the top pick in 2023.

Williamson recorded 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists in the win, while Wembanyama led the Spurs with 17 points and 13 rebounds for his eight consecutive double-double in the loss.

That streak sets a new record for a teenager in the NBA, breaking the standard of seven straight double-doubles set by 19-year-old Dwight Howard in 2005.

Williamson told reporters after the game that he has previously met with Wembanyama's father, Félix Wembanyama, in Paris, and that the Spurs rookie "has great people around him."

"My advice to him would just be to keep focusing on your craft," Williamson said. "You didn't get that hype for no reason, so just keep focusing on your craft, keep your head on straight and you'll be fine."

Wembanyama came into Sunday's matchup leading all Spurs players as he averaged 19.0 points and 10.9 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per night.

Williamson, who is seeking a bounce-back campaign after being limited by injuries for two straight seasons, came into the game averaging 22.8 points and 5.8 rebounds.

While Williamson and the Pelicans are looking to make it back into the playoffs after missing the postseason in 2022-23, Wembanyama's rookie performance has been a long bright spot in a difficult Spurs season. San Antonio currently sits at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 4-21 record.

Williamson and Wembanyama were originally set to face off for the first time on Dec. 1, but the Spurs rookie missed the contest due to tightness in his right hip.

The two first-round picks are set to meet again when the Pelicans come to San Antonio on February 2, followed by a Spurs trip to New Orleans on April 5.

The New Orleans Pelicans picked up a dominant 146-110 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.

The game marked a key matchup between Pelicans' Zion Williamson and Spurs' rookie Victor Wembanyama. It was a battle between two young talents in the league that fans will look forward to from years to come.

While the Pelicans handled business with ease, Wembanyama got the best of Williamson.

Wembanyama finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks while Williamson had 15 points and eight rebounds.

Zion got the W but Wemby outperformed him in their first-ever matchup! pic.twitter.com/WPYMolSbAn

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) December 17, 2023

In the end Zion will have a greater career than Wemby mark my words. We’ll double back in 20yrs

— Malik Staples (@MalikStaples35) December 17, 2023

https://twitter.com/iamjamesnumber1/status/1736502940318204178

Wemby makes history again, but the Spurs got absolutely whooped by the red-hot Pelicans who made some history of their own.

Back to reality for San Antonio.https://t.co/MuezWwMv9x pic.twitter.com/iXfmGV6kcO

— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) December 17, 2023

Random thoughts so far:
- Sochan’s jumper is so bad rn
- It’s so frustrating that the Pelicans are never healthy when it matters. On paper, they have the perfect mix of skillets offensively
- Wemby is so good man. He would absolutely kill on a team with actual NBA players

— Muad’Dib Taichō (@he_ofmanyfaces) December 17, 2023

Saturday's game has been the story so far this season for Wembanyama and the Spurs. While Wembanyama has impressed through the first part of the season, the Spurs struggles have continued.

San Antonio is 4-21 on the season, snapping a dreadful losing streak earlier this week. Now, the Spurs are back in the loss column and looking to turn things around.

At least for now, Spurs fans have Wembanyama to entertain them through the losses.