Wemby, Spurs honor Popovich with big win

WASHINGTON (AFP) — On a Sunday when the San Antonio Spurs paid tribute to long-time coach Gregg Popovich, Victor Wembanyama made sure the unbeaten National Basketball Association (NBA) club celebrated a victory as well.

The 7-foot-4 French center scored 31 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, blocked six shots, passed off four assists and made three steals to spark the Spurs over Brooklyn 118-107.

“I missed the energy so much,” Wembanyama told the crowd at the Spurs’ home opener.

“I knew you guys were going to show up so we had to show up for you all.”

Wembanyama has a combined 100 points and 18 blocked shots over the first three games of the regular season, a feat no other NBA player has ever managed.

“He’s doing a great job,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said of the Frenchman.

San Antonio improved to 3-0 to start the campaign while the Nets, despite 40 points from Cam Thomas, fell to 0-3.

“Nothing like winning,” Wembanyama said.

“It feels great. It feels like where we should be. It definitely gives a boost for motivation.”

Told of reports he enjoys being a “bully,” Wembanyama replied, “I’m not sure this is a label you can put on me but (playing with physicality) is one of the things I think about.”

Terence Mann’s jumper lifted Brooklyn within 108-107 with 2:47 remaining but the Spurs answered with a 10-0 closing run, “Wemby” hitting two free throws and a dunk in the concluding spurt.