3 takeaways from Victor Wembanyama’s 3rd preseason game

Spurs thinking big: Victor Wembanyama anchors a gargantuan starting five with an average height of 6-foot-9.

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San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was in a rush to celebrate Becky Hammon and the Las Vegas Aces’ consecutive WNBA title, but he made sure to prioritize his team’s victory over the Houston Rockets. After the game, Popovich expressed his initial thought of leaving early but decided against it. This allowed him to coach his prized No. 1 overall pick, Victor Wembanyama, and the rest of the Spurs in their preseason game. Popovich revealed that this lineup will be the team’s starters for their regular-season opener against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25.

Here are three takeaways from Wembanyama’s third exhibition outing:

Big ball, best 5

Against the Rockets, the Spurs opted for a gargantuan starting five lineup. This lineup included Jeremy Sochan (6-foot-8) as the point guard, alongside Wembanyama (7-4), Zach Collins (6-11), Devin Vassell (6-5), and Keldon Johnson (6-5). Right from the start, this group dominated, establishing a 17-2 lead within five minutes of the game. With Wembanyama and Collins clogging the paint, their length allows them to disrupt passing lanes consistently. This lineup is expected to be the most effective for the Spurs this season, especially with Wembanyama’s scoring ability and passing skills, which elevate the team’s offensive potential. However, there may be some ups and downs as the players continue to adjust and figure out their positioning on the court.

Popovich emphasized the importance of the group performing well, as they are the tallest players on the team and need to develop chemistry with the perimeter players.

A 7-foot Manu

During the first quarter, Wembanyama showcased his skills with a move reminiscent of the retired Spurs player, Manu Ginobili. Intercepting a pass from Aaron Holiday, the Frenchman executed a flashy nutmeg move on Reggie Bullock Jr. as he dribbled the ball between Bullock’s legs. He then followed up with a behind-the-neck pass to Charles Bassey under the basket. This play demonstrated Wembanyama’s unique abilities and creativity on the court. Fans can expect to see more of these extraordinary plays from the 19-year-old, and it’s definitely worth buying a ticket to witness them up close.

It’s not just Wemby

In the upcoming season, Wembanyama will receive more support from Keldon Johnson, who led the Spurs in scoring last season. Additionally, fourth-year veteran Devin Vassell is expected to have a breakout season after recovering from a knee injury that required surgery. Vassell has taken on a leadership role within the team and has shown improvement in his shooting, especially from beyond the arc. In the preseason, he has made 12 of 20 three-point attempts, including a career-high of six three-pointers in one game. With the added contributions from Johnson and Vassell, Wembanyama will have a solid supporting cast to help the Spurs succeed in the 2023-24 season.

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Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here, and follow him on Twitter.

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