Victor Wembanyama slammed with 'bottom line' reality check after Game 3 collapse – here's why

· Yahoo Sports

Victor Wembanyama slammed with 'bottom line' reality check after Game 3 collapse – here's why originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Visit casino-promo.biz for more information.

Victor Wembanyama added another milestone to his rapidly growing resume on Friday, earning his second career All-Defensive First Team selection ahead of Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The San Antonio Spurs star was also the only unanimous pick on the team, marking the second time this season he received an honor in unanimous fashion.

However, the achievement was overshadowed by San Antonio’s 123-108 loss to Oklahoma City at Frost Bank Center. Wembanyama finished with a team-high 26 points while shooting an efficient 8-for-15 from the field, but questions remained about his overall impact throughout the game.

However, Yahoo Sports analyst Kevin O'Connor pointed out following the game that Wembanyama did not dominate the game the way the Spurs needed him to.

“Victor Wembanyama wasn't great enough tonight. 26 points but only 15 shots. Only 4 boards. Nowhere near as active as Game 2 - nevermind how ferocious he was in Game 1's double OT win. OKC is doing an excellent job on D but Wemby might be exhausted too. Bottom line he needs to reach a higher level for San Antonio to win this series especially given the backcourt injuries,” O'Connor tweeted.

Since the opening game of the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder have focused heavily on keeping Wembanyama away from the basket. His average field-goal distance also proves that defensive adjustment. After averaging shots just 5.4 feet from the rim in Game 1, that number jumped to 15.1 feet in Game 2 and 13.3 feet in Game 3, showing how effectively the Thunder have forced him into perimeter looks.

Following the Game 3 loss, Wembanyama took responsibility for his performance and admitted he needs to do a better job involving his teammates offensively.

“I feel like I have trouble making my teammates better right now…I need to be more of a team player."

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson explained that Oklahoma City’s packed paint has made it difficult for the Spurs’ guards to get the ball to Wembanyama in scoring positions near the rim. With multiple Thunder defenders collapsing inside, the Spurs have struggled to establish their star big man in the interior offense throughout the series.

More NBA news:

Read full story at source