NBA: Wembanyama has tough debut at Madison Sq. Backyard in Spurs loss

New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson (11), proper, reacts after hitting a three-point shot previous San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama throughout the second half of an NBA basketball recreation, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in New York. The Knicks defeated the Spurs 126-105. (AP Photograph/Seth Wenig)

NEW YORK— Victor Wembanyama noticed the retired jerseys, soaked within the environment and shortly understood why his coach and so many others advised him Madison Sq. Backyard was the perfect place to play basketball.

“I feel irrespective of what number of occasions I’ll play right here, it is going to at all times be particular,” Wembanyama mentioned.

And it’ll absolutely get higher.

The No. 1 draft decide’s first recreation on the famed area was one of many worst of his younger profession, as he managed only one basket within the first three quarters of the New York Knicks’ 126-105 victory over the San Antonio Spurs within the NBA on Wednesday night time.

The 7-foot-3 Wembanyama missed his first seven pictures and had extra airballs (2) than area objectives by way of three quarters, when the Knicks led by as a lot as 30 factors. He was at risk of failing to succeed in double figures for the primary time earlier than scoring eight factors within the fourth to complete with 14 on 4-for-14 capturing.

Jalen Brunson scored 25 factors for the Knicks (4-4), who gained their second consecutive recreation. RJ Barrett added 24 factors and 6 assists, whereas Julius Randle had 23 factors and 16 rebounds.

San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, proper, and New York Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson battle for a rebound throughout the first half of an NBA basketball recreation, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in New York. (AP Photograph/Seth Wenig)

Immanuel Quickley scored 19 off the bench and Mitchell Robinson spearheaded the robust defensive effort on Wembanyama with eight factors and 12 rebounds.

Wembanyama, who got here in main NBA rookies with 19.4 factors per recreation, grabbed 9 rebounds however missed all 4 3-point makes an attempt. He bought some good cheers beforehand after which late within the recreation, but in addition some jeers throughout it.

“You’ve a 19-year-old rookie who’s simply studying in regards to the NBA. After all it’s a studying expertise,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich mentioned.

Jeremy Sochan had 16 factors and 6 rebounds for the Spurs. Two nights after dropping 152-111 in Indiana, they had been down massive many of the manner and dropped their third straight.

Once they arrived Wednesday for his or her morning shootaround, Popovich advised a few of his gamers they had been in the perfect area to play basketball, which is similar factor Wembanyama had heard — although he mentioned MSG wasn’t as massive as he anticipated.

.@wemby with the left 💰 pic.twitter.com/dSOAmvnoOu

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) November 9, 2023

It nonetheless holds almost 20,000 followers and the gang bought awfully loud when Wembanyama threw up two airballs throughout his dreadful first half.

Brunson mentioned the Knicks blocked out the hype surrounding Wembanyama’s arrival for a nationally televised matchup.

“Clearly this place is wonderful, … the historical past, all that stuff,” Brunson mentioned. “I feel only for us, we simply concentrate on what we will management and that’s sticking collectively and making an attempt to be the perfect crew we might be.”

Wembanyama took and missed the Spurs’ first three pictures, a pair of 3-pointers sandwiched round a 10-footer that fell wanting the rim. These struggles helped spark the Knicks’ quick begin, and it was 13-0 earlier than the Spurs made their first shot.

It was 33-16 after one and grew to 42-21 after Wembanyama took one other shot that failed to succeed in the basket, this one from behind the arc. The Knicks ultimately recovered the ball and Quickley drove for a layup, celebrating afterward alongside the sideline with Knicks superfan Spike Lee.

The lead ballooned to 99-70 when Quickley stole the ball from Wembanyama and fed Isaiah Hartenstein for a dunk. Moments later there have been chants of “Overrated! Overrated!” after a annoyed Wembanyama took a swipe at Quickley after he was fouled.

Devin Vassell returned after lacking the earlier two video games with a strained left adductor and had 4 factors. Popovich mentioned earlier than the sport he anticipated the San Antonio guard would additionally miss this recreation.

UP NEXT

Spurs: Host Minnesota on Friday.

Knicks: Host Charlotte on Sunday.