Spurs' Victor Wembanyama continues blistering form amid criticism

As Victor Wembanyama poured in 34 points during a win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night, he continued a scorching stretch of form that has emerged in recent games.

This burst of improved play follows a report earlier this month, where an anonymous NBA scout criticized the Frenchman’s offensive impact.

"He's absolutely awesome on defense, and not impactful at all on offense," the scout told ESPN. "He just looks like he's playing without a whole lot of direction."

Despite earning Rookie of the Year and All-Defensive First Team honors in his debut season, Wembanyama struggled with his shooting, converting just 32.5 percent of his three-point attempts. 

These difficulties carried into the start of his sophomore campaign, coinciding with the scout's comments. Through the first nine games of the current season, the 7-foot-3 center hit only 14 three-pointers at a dismal 21 percent rate. 

However, in the six games since the comments surfaced, the San Antonio Spurs star has found his rhythm, draining 34 threes at a blistering 45.2 percent clip while averaging 32.5 points per game.

Wembanyama has hit four or more threes in each of those games, highlighted by a 50-point explosion against the Washington Wizards, where he made eight from deep.

After starting 4-5 through the opening nine contests, the 20-year-old's improved play has helped the Spurs secure four wins in their last six games. Currently, San Antonio sits 10th in the Western Conference with a positive 10-8 record.

His three-point shooting has surged to 34.5 percent on the season, with 34 made threes during this six-game stretch, tied for the eighth most in the league over that span.

While his defensive and rebounding skills were never in question, Wembanyama has also averaged 10.7 rebounds, four assists and 3.5 blocks per game during this hot streak. 

His season-long average of 3.6 blocks per game is a league-leading figure, with Brook Lopez trailing in second at 2.3. Only Donovan Clingan and Anthony Davis are averaging over two blocks per game this season.

On Nov. 9, in a loss to the Utah Jazz, the Spurs big man pulled down 16 rebounds and recorded a staggering seven blocks, further showcasing his all-around effectiveness.

It’s evident that the anonymous scout’s comments have ignited something in Wembanyama offensively, unlocking a new dimension to the towering center's game. 

These impressive numbers should undoubtedly push the second-year star into serious All-Star consideration. The first of many, no doubt.