NBA – Blazers Coach Shaken After Wembanyama’s Rampage: “Every time, he…”

NBA Chauncey Billups and Victor Wembanyama, Portland Trail Blazers

Utterly dominant, Victor Wembanyama destroyed Portland on both ends of the court tonight. The men from Oregon could only witness the damage, much like their coach Chauncey Billups. Asked about the Frenchman in a press conference, the former champion and Finals MVP appeared astonished.

24 minutes, that’s the playing time for Victor Wembanyama tonight against the Blazers. The Frenchman didn’t play a lot, but he didn’t need more to wreak havoc against Scoot Henderson & co. Unyielding in the paint, the center delivered a performance completely unique in history to help the Spurs break a streak of five consecutive losses.

While on the Texas side and the rest of the league, there was awe at the outrageous domination of the first draft pick, the players from Rip City endured a nightmare. Especially the defense of Wembanyama made them suffer, with the French prodigy finishing with no less than seven blocks to his name. Asked about him in a press conference, Coach Chauncey Billups was astounded by the Hexagon’s wall:

“It’s the first time for everyone to play against him, so there’s an adjustment period. There was a timeout at the beginning of the fourth quarter where I said, ‘Guys, we have to understand that even when the shot looks open, it’s not. When you lower your head and go to the basket, the shot is not open.’ This kid is there every time. It’s tough to see, you know.

You’re trying to do your thing, you see two guys in front of you while he disappears. So, as I said, I thought it took us too long, all of us, to adjust to him, but damn, that’s what’s crazy about him. You never know where he is, but you know he’ll be there. I thought his defensive presence was incredible. His 7 blocks, so many things he changed…

Mr. Big Shot knows what he’s talking about since he was an elite defender during his career, being a member of the 2004 champion Pistons. The compliment is therefore even more enormous for Wemby, who excels in rim protection this season. In 27 games, he has compiled no less than 86 blocks, averaging 3.2 every night. A true rim protector, capable of disrupting in all circumstances.

With a height of 2.24 meters, a wingspan of 2.44 meters, and hallucinatory instincts when it comes to protecting his circle, Victor Wembanyama is a walking nightmare for opposing attackers. Yes, he still needs to find himself in attack, but he is already perfectly tuned in his own half of the court.