Spurs weigh bringing Wembanyama off bench for Cup final
spurs-weigh-bringing-wembanyama-off-bench-cup-final
LAS VEGAS — The San Antonio Spurs are considering using Victor Wembanyama as a reserve again when they face the New York Knicks in Tuesday’s Emirates NBA Cup championship game, head coach Mitch Johnson said.
Wembanyama, 21, came off the bench for the first time in his career during Saturday’s semifinal victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, his return after missing 12 games. Playing on a minutes restriction, the rookie logged 21 minutes and scored 22 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, while the rest of the Spurs combined for 18 in the period.
“It’s hard. He wants to play. He wants to start. He wants to finish,” Johnson told reporters. “We still have to think about what’s best for the team … and how that affects others.”
The 7-foot-4 Frenchman entered the semifinal at the start of the second quarter with San Antonio trailing by 11. His opening three possessions produced three rebounds, a tip-in layup and an assist to Dylan Harper for a three-pointer. He shot 2-for-3 in the period, helping cut Oklahoma City’s lead to three at halftime.
Guard Devin Vassell said the staff’s plan balanced Wembanyama’s desire to play with long-term health considerations. “I trust in Mitch 100%,” Vassell said. “As soon as Vic came in, he had the impact we needed.”
In the semifinal, Wembanyama played just over seven minutes before halftime, then logged 13:20 across the third and fourth quarters to maximize his restricted workload. Johnson noted the team is “still learning” how to manage the rookie’s minutes.
Despite his recent absence, Wembanyama remains eligible for postseason awards. While Tuesday’s Cup final does not count toward San Antonio’s regular-season record, the game’s statistics apply to award qualification.
Source: ESPN
