SAN ANTONIO — Given that Victor Wembanyama’s substantial 7-foot-5 frame towered over all other occupants of Frost Bank Center on Friday night, his constant sulking and head-hanging through a four-point first half stuck out like a sore thumb.
Wembanyama was frustrated. From a physicality standpoint, the Frenchman had allowed Houston’s aggressive defense to get the best of him on multiple occasions, even laying flat on the ground at times, unable to combat the Rockets’ various defenders. But from a mentality standpoint, Wembanyama’s entire approach was being dictated by Ime Udoka’s aggressive scheme, with the third-year center shying away from the restricted area and settling for jumpers.
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For a Spurs team that had lost two straight, a third consecutive defeat was seemingly in the cards. San Antonio has taken on the identity of Wembanyama, and in games where his mistakes outweigh his excellence — 10 fouls and 11 turnovers combined in losses to the Suns and Lakers — the team negatively morphs into that image.
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant drives around San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama during the second half in San Antonio on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
After one downtrodden look too many late in the second quarter, teammate Keldon Johnson had seen enough, giving Wembanyama an emphatic slap to the chest. A recalibration of sorts.
By the time the third quarter had rolled around, Wembanyama’s demeanor had shifted instantly. Gone was the second-guessing and avoidance of Houston’s pressure. He hunted it, using the Rockets’ game plan against them and posting a dominant 18-point second half on 6-of-10 shooting to push the Spurs to a 121-110 victory in Group C play of the NBA Cup.
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“I don’t think it’s some epiphany or anything,” head coach Mitch Johnson said of Wemby’s closing efforts. “I think he’s slowed down and allowed the reads to unfold. When he gets the ball and we space properly, teams have to decide to guard one-on-one or bring multiple bodies. And when he does that, because he’s so cerebral, he’s able…
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