NBA – The images of the Wembanyama/Jokic duel which are causing debate: “I may be a fan of Wemby…

NBA Victor Wembanyama et Nikola Jokic

Before he made his NBA debut, Victor Wembanyama was the subject of many doubts about his ability to meet the physical challenge imposed by the stars of the league. His recent clash against Nikola Jokic has put the subject back on the table.

Like any rookie, he didn’t make everyone agree on his true level, or even on his ceiling. Victor Wembanyama, on the other hand, is the subject of increased attention compared to his young counterparts, who may have been announced as a potential future GOAT. Expected at the turning point for this reason, he strives to prove himself up to the task, including against the best inside players on the circuit.

Did Victor Wembanyama pass the Jokic test?

Given his slender physique at 2m24, Wembanyama worried observers in view of his confrontations with plumper big men. As such, his recent duel against Nikola Jokic was widely scrutinized. And while the French prodigy delivered a historic performance, he also held his own against his prestigious opponent in certain defensive sequences:

“Just wait until Wemby has to defend on Jokic.”

Through this montage, the pro-San Antonio Spurs Culture account wanted to show that Victor was able to resist the physical impact of a player like Jokic. The latter was also rave about him at the end of the meeting, proof that Wemby did good things against the double MVP. However, a plethora of Internet users were much less conciliatory towards him after the Joker’s hit:

Although I’m a Wemby fan, Jokic finished with 39 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists while shooting 58%.

Oh don’t do that. I like Spurs and Wemby but it’s a bad analysis. Very bad. Especially considering Joker’s stat line and how one-sided the match was for almost 48 minutes!

Certainly author of good defensive actions against Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama was however not helped by the figures. The Serbian’s card as well as the Nuggets’ big victory dampened the ambient enthusiasm for his performance.