Victor Wembanyama is playing like a beast and the San Antonio Spurs are winning games.
The Spurs take aim at their sixth victory in seven games when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in an NBA Cup matchup.
Wembanyama is coming off his third career triple-double as he recorded 34 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists in Sunday’s 127-125 road victory over the Sacramento Kings.
Wembanyama knocked down five 3-point baskets and blocked three shots while once again displaying his unusual versatility.
“As far as my own performance, to recap — adaptability,” Wembanyama told reporters. “I think we adapted pretty well to their scouting report. The triple-double is just a byproduct of making the right choices.”
The second-year pro has topped 30 points in four of his past seven games, including a career-high 50 against the Washington Wizards on Nov. 13.
Despite his production, Wembanyama often hears criticism for being 7-foot-3 and playing like a guard. He is averaging 24.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.5 blocked shots and has knocked down 55 3-pointers in 17 appearances.
Interim San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson sees that swap as an advantage that keeps opponents in the dark about what to expect.
“It’s his biggest strength,” Johnson said, “and at times that can be the thing (players) have to grow into or learn from. He can do everything.
“So when you have that many options on the menu, to think you’re going to pick the right one every time is tough. And he’s a young player that’s learning how to use all the weapons that he has. So there’s tremendous belief and great support for him as he learns when and where to utilize all those weapons.
“And I think just constantly holding himself accountable as he does of the fundamental stuff is what will allow those things to pop off the page.”
Both San Antonio and Phoenix are 2-1 in NBA Cup West Group B play. The Oklahoma City Thunder also are 2-1 and they face the lowly Utah Jazz (0-3) on Tuesday.
The Spurs will win the group with a victory over the Suns. Phoenix can win the group with a victory over San Antonio and an Oklahoma City loss.
Phoenix has won two of its last three games following a five-game slide.
The Suns recorded a 113-105 home win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday behind 27 points from Devin Booker. Kevin Durant added 21 points and Tyus Jones had 19 points and nine assists while making 7 of 9 shots, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range.
Phoenix prevailed despite the absences of guard Bradley Beal (left calf strain) and big man Jusuf Nurkic (thigh contusion) with help from solid defense and the bench.
“That’s what we gonna need to happen,” Durant said. “We gonna have a game or two like this in the playoffs, where it’s just a clunky game, both teams have some of their best players not shooting great. But who can get the most stops, who can make shots at the end of the game — and I think that’s what we did.”
The Suns announced Monday that Nurkic is out against the Spurs and will be re-evaluated in a week.
As for Beal, Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer said he had a good day of practice on Monday. The coach said Beal’s status will likely be firmed up Tuesday.
The Spurs went 3-1 against Phoenix last season after the Suns won the previous nine matchups.
–Field Level Media
