Spurs surge fuels MVP buzz for Wembanyama; Fox, Ingram and Plumlee updates
spurs-surge-mvp-buzz-wembanyama-fox-ingram-plumlee
The San Antonio Spurs have won 16 of their past 17 games, and rookie center Victor Wembanyama is driving the run while hearing mounting “MVP” chants at Frost Bank Center.
“Of course it’s one of my goals,” the French standout said. “I need to press down the gas a bit in the last part of the season to win that award.”
Wembanyama is averaging 24.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in only 29.3 minutes, shooting 50.6 percent from the field, 36.0 percent from three and 81.0 percent at the foul line. Teammate and fellow first-year guard Dylan Harper believes the 20-year-old’s résumé stacks up with front-runners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić. “We went from not making the playoffs to the second seed,” Harper said. “There’s not a whole lot to debate.”
Fox’s playmaking lift
De’Aaron Fox has delivered at least 19 points and nine assists in each of San Antonio’s last three victories. “I just want to be at my peak physically and mentally toward the end of the season,” the point guard said. Head coach Mitch Johnson praised Fox for “hitting another gear,” while Wembanyama credited the veteran’s “great decision-making” and willingness to “do the right play.”
Ingram welcomed back to New Orleans
Wednesday marked Brandon Ingram’s first game in New Orleans in 459 days. Now with Toronto, the forward was lauded by interim Pelicans coach James Borrego for his contributions during four seasons in the Crescent City, a tenure that included a Most Improved Player award and an All-Star berth. “He gave a lot to this city—blood, sweat and tears,” Borrego said before tip-off.
Plumlee brings veteran presence
Coach Johnson also highlighted the experience center Mason Plumlee adds to the Spurs’ locker room. “He was a rookie for KG and Paul Pierce in Brooklyn, so there’s quite a bit of experience and stories,” Johnson said. The 34-year-old logged his first minute for San Antonio on Tuesday, collecting one rebound in a 125-116 win over Boston.
Source: Hoops Rumors
