Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama deliver thrilling 1st encounter
In their inaugural face-off, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama delivered a spectacular performance.
SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio failed to secure victory for Victor Wembanyama’s 20th birthday.
That didn’t stop the rookie from gifting fans at Frost Bank Center on Thursday with arguably his best all-around performance of the season in a late-game duel with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Wembanayama racked up 27 points with nine rebounds and five blocks in the Spurs’ 125-121 loss to a Milwaukee team propelled by 44 points and 14 rebounds from Antetokounmpo.
The clash showcased numerous outstanding moments from both players, verging on the absurd.
“Wembanyama said, “From now on, every game is a statement.”
On that mission against Antetokounmpo, the rookie made an impressive start by speeding off.
What They’re Saying: Wembanyama stuffed an Antetokounmpo driving dunk attempt with 24.1 seconds left and Milwaukee up 124-121. The jam would’ve put the game on ice in front of the sellout crowd of 19,082.
Still, the Spurs rookie managed to sustain the home team’s hopes.
“His playstyle is correct and focused on winning,” said Antetokounmpo. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I’m unsure of his exact height, but I know for a fact he’s taller than 7-3. Anyone who claims he’s 7-3 is not telling the truth.”
“As long as he maintains a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, the sky is the limit. All of his dreams are bound to become reality.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo comments on his matchup with Victor Wembanyama: ‘He’s remarkable’.
Wembanyama grew up in France watching and idolizing the Milwaukee two-time MVP. The duo took part in an entertaining back-and-forth battle down the stretch with Antetokounmpo outscoring Wembanyama 14-6 in the final frame.
The star of the Bucks shot 5 out of 6 in the fourth.
“Indeed, I’ve grown up watching him; he’s one of the world’s greatest players,” Wembanyama stated. “It always provides additional motivation. I am aware that I’m a competitor. Therefore, I aim to challenge everyone and be the opponent to be reckoned with on the court. It was an excellent matchup.”
Viral moments: Wembanyama and Giannis provided plenty of those throughout the night, starting with the former’s alley-oop dunk to himself off the backboard in the second quarter.
That highlight occurred following a dunk by Antetokounmpo.
“Bucks coach Adrian Griffin expressed, “That game was enjoyable to coach and watch. Two of the most distinctively talented big men were playing. I say ‘big men’ lightly because they are two incredibly versatile players. I thought Wemby performed excellently. Giannis was truly outstanding.”
Khris Middleton left impressed by Wembanyama’s courage, the youngster showing the moxie to fight toe-to-toe against one of the league’s all-time greats.
Wemby impressed everyone in the third quarter, skillfully executing a coast-to-coast slam by going behind-the-back.
WEMBY GOES BEHIND-THE-BACK ON THE COAST-TO-COAST SLAM pic.twitter.com/blstNHmgdD
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 5, 2024
Antetokounmpo dropped the hammer minutes later in response.
Middleton expressed his admiration, saying, “It’s great to see young players showing such competitiveness. They’re not afraid of crucial moments, whether it’s taking a shot, making a move or pass, or taking a risk in a tight game, especially towards the end. He relishes the challenge. This attitude will serve him well in the future.”
The numbers: In a thriller that featured nine lead changes and five ties in the fourth quarter alone, Wembanyama logged his fourth game with 20-plus points and four-plus rebounds in 26 minutes or fewer.
Bear in mind that the French prodigy is still under a minutes restriction due to two ankle injuries he suffered since December. Spurs’ coach, Gregg Popovich, stated that the team plans to conduct an MRI on the injury in the coming week to get the rookie back to his regular playing schedule.
Antetokounmpo is currently averaging 39.4 points per game this season, with a shooting percentage of 63.9% during the second night of back-to-back sets. He’s also pulling down 13 rebounds per game and playing an average of 37 minutes with no rest days.
Impressive.
Middleton expressed, “I believe that’s what everyone was hoping for; a player with immense potential and talent emerging in this league, who at this moment, is performing well against a multi-MVP player.”
“I believe the league has yet to witness anything similar to two nearly 7-foot tall players capable of doing a bit of everything, competing against each other.”
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Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
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