Despite the New Orleans Pelicans’ emphatic 146-110 win against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, Zion Williamson had high praise for Spurs’ rookie Victor Wembanyama.
“He’s a threat all over the court,” Williamson said. “He’s gonna be a matchup nightmare because he can get his shot off whenever he wants.”
“And I think the more he plays in the NBA-style offense, the better he’ll get at it. His presence alone can alter a lot of shots. He has long arms, is tall, so just his presence alone can affect the offense on the other side.”
Williamson, the first overall pick in the 2019 draft, faced Wembanyama, the 2023 top pick, for the first time in this game. Williamson contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, and three assists to the victory, while Wembanyama led the Spurs with 17 points and 13 rebounds, marking his eighth consecutive double-double. This achievement surpasses the teenage record previously held by Dwight Howard since 2005.
Williamson, having met Wembanyama’s father in Paris, commended the rookie’s support system and advised him to stay focused on his craft. Wembanyama entered the game as the Spurs’ leader in points and rebounds.
“My advice to him would just be to keep focusing on your craft,” Williamson said. “You didn’t get that hype for no reason, so just keep focusing on your craft, keep your head on straight and you’ll be fine.”
On the other hand, Williamson is in the midst of a comeback season after being hampered by injuries, averaging 22.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. The Pelicans aim for a playoff spot, contrasting with the Spurs’ struggles, as they sit at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 4-21 record.
The matchup was initially scheduled for December 1, but Wembanyama missed it due to a hip issue. Fans can look forward to their subsequent encounters when the Pelicans visit San Antonio on Feb. 2, and the Spurs travel to New Orleans on Apr. 5.
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