Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images
Growing pains are a common trait amongst most NBA rookies, and it appears that Victor Wembanyama is no different.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft struggled during the San Antonio Spurs’ blowout loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, falling by the final score of 123-83.
Wembanyama finished the night with 11 points, shooting just 4-10 from the field and missing both of his three-point attempts. He recorded just 2 assists compared to five turnovers. The Clippers typically put Robert Covington on him, as the former All-Defensive team member has years of experience guarding much larger players.
After averaging 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game in the Spurs’ first two contests, Wembanyama couldn’t keep up that same level of production.
NBA fans acknowledged his underwhelming performance.
Victor Wembanyama tonight:
24 MIN
11 PTS
5 REB
2 AST
1 STL
1 BLKJust not his night. pic.twitter.com/BrkqrM30wR
— Wemby Muse (@Wemby_Muse) October 30, 2023
Victor Wembanyama has 4 points on 2/5 FGs in 14 minutes.
The minutes and field goal attempts are about in line with what you'd expect given Spurs first 2 games.
LAC has done well to keep him off line (0/2 FTs) and boards (1 rebounds).
— Law Murray 🧾 (@LawMurrayTheNU) October 30, 2023
Clippers are a horrible matchup for Wemby. They have guys strong enough and quick enough to disrupt his dribble and keep him off the block…
His only hope is to really pull up and shoot over those guys
— JP – The Wholesome Truth Teller (@jay_pea619) October 30, 2023
There’s no way San Antonio goes the whole season without starting a real PG
Don’t think Sochan at the point is great for his development, but the main thing is that it doesn’t help Wemby either
Would expect them to start Tre Jones eventually or find another PG to start
— Zach Milner (@ZachMilner13) October 30, 2023
A trend I have noticed from Victor Wembanyama, even in France, is that he will kinda go through the motions, especially during the 1st half of the game. I want him to demand the ball and attack the paint. I don't care if he's 1/10. I believe he will improve over time with this.
— PJ Hoops (@RealPjHoops) October 30, 2023
Grim day for Wembanyama: 9-3-1 on 33% shooting with 4 TOs in 21 mins.
His team down 30 pts in the 3rd quarter.
— SLO HOOPS FAN 🇸🇮 (@SloHoopsFan) October 30, 2023
Wemby gotta start demanding the ball more he should never have under 20 shots lol
— Jones (@A_JONES210) October 30, 2023
The Spurs fell to 1-2 following the loss, committing a season-high 25 turnovers in the process. The team as a whole shot just 38 percent from the field and 33 percent from behind the arc.
San Antonio will look to regroup in its next contest, a matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. Tip-off is at 10 p.m. ET.
