Victor Wembanyama evokes vengeful spirit ahead of new NBA season with Spurs

Victor Wembanyama declared, Monday, September 28, that he was approaching the new NBA season alongside the San Antonio Spurs with a “revanchist side”, after the finals lost against the Knicks in June. “There are high expectations around us, we will face each team at their best every night, no one will be surprised by our performances from now on,” said the 22-year-old French phenomenon, adding that “of course, there is this revengeful side” after the 4-1 defeat in the finals against the New York Knicks.

This setback even left him with after-effects: “I had a few sleepless nights, with little sleep and thoughts that haunted me and prevented me from sleeping.” But "you just have to accept it and move on. We don't want to hide from anything, you have to face these emotions," added "Wemby" from the Spurs training center in San Antonio. Wembanyama was sparkling in his third NBA season, taking a young and inexperienced squad to the brink of the title, after brilliantly crossing his first play-offs.

The sixth title hoped for by the Spurs

The Frenchman, who says he is "in the best possible shape" to start the new NBA season on October 20, is however "happy" with the incredible performance of the Spurs last season. “I have the feeling that we are in our place. That’s already what I felt as last season progressed.” Cornerstone of the Spurs in their attempt to win the team's sixth NBA title, "Wemby" is coming off a very solid season, averaging 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks per game.

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But the Frenchman faces a new challenge: to show that his supernatural talent can become a standard and take the Texan franchise to the coronation. “A big part of learning is winning. What I lack now is still experience but it’s true that I’ve gained a lot in recent months,” slips the 2.24 meter player who sets no limits.