Spurs mascot The Coyote saves day, captures bat
The Coyote, mascot of the San Antonio Spurs, caught a bat during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A bat descended on the court and delayed play after Victor Wembanyama made a 3-pointer two minutes into the San Antonio Spurs’ 113-112 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
After several unsuccessful tries, The Coyote, the mascot of the Spurs, finally caught the bat with a net. This delighted Wembanyama and his Spurs teammate, Jeremy Sochan.
Previously, the Coyote had captured two bats, whereas in November 2009, Manu Ginobili, a former star of the Spurs, knocked another to the court using nothing but his bare hand.
Every time the bat buzzed the court, the Spurs dispersed, aside from Sochan whom Popovich had to restrain at one point. Others, such as Keldon Johnson, sought shelter.
“Johnson admitted, “I understand my limits. For example, I’m almost afraid of the dark, so dealing with bats? That’s not really my thing. It scared me more.”
Over the next two minutes, Wembanyama scored nine points. The French newcomer finished the game with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
