TITLE: Lakers’ double-teams limit Wembanyama to 19 points in 118-116 Spurs defeat
SLUG: lakers-double-teams-limit-wembanyama-19-points-spurs-defeat
CONTENT:
LOS ANGELES — For the second game in a row, aggressive double-teams slowed Victor Wembanyama, and the San Antonio Spurs slipped to a 118-116 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Wembanyama, 21, finished with 19 points on 5-of-14 shooting, five turnovers and six fouls, exiting with 1:40 remaining. The Lakers’ approach mirrored the Phoenix Suns’ scheme from Sunday, when the No. 1 overall pick was held to nine points and six turnovers in San Antonio’s first defeat of the season.
Late chances fall short
San Antonio’s final opportunity came with 0.2 seconds left. Julian Champagnie, who scored 14 points, missed the first of two potential game-tying free throws and intentionally missed the second. Keldon Johnson’s tip rolled off the rim, sealing the result.
The Spurs had led by as many as 12 with 1:26 to play in the third quarter but were outscored 30-20 in the fourth. Spurs starters combined to shoot 1-for-12 in the final period.
Foul trouble piles up
Along with Wembanyama, Harrison Barnes and Jeremy Sochan fouled out during the last 90 seconds. Despite the issues, every San Antonio starter recorded at least 14 points, and the reserves went 14-for-15 from the field, outscoring the Lakers’ bench 38-21.
Spurs acknowledge defensive pressure
“Personally, I haven’t seen this kind of defense from teams,” Wembanyama said. “They let me catch the ball, but they were ready to double and rotate. The game feels fast right now, but we’ll adapt.”
Head coach Mitch Johnson stated the 7-foot-4 center will “be fine” once the offense puts him in stronger positions. “He needs to be more demonstrative and demand the ball,” Johnson said. “When he doesn’t, he should yell at everybody in the gym, including his teammates and myself, and he’ll be fine.”
Guard Stephon Castle added, “Vic can get right back on track. He works hard. He has the right mindset. He’ll figure it out.”
Wembanyama scored 12 of his 19 points in the second half, eight coming from the free-throw line. After the defeat, he said he planned to dive into film study before San Antonio’s next matchup.
Source: ESPN
