San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson says Victor Wembanyama is playing with more composure, and the numbers from Monday's 122-96 win over the Phoenix Suns make the case. Wembanyama scored 40 points on 15-of-19 shooting, grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked nine shots, all in just 25 minutes.
Johnson, as reported by TalkBasket, pointed to recognition as the key. When the game slows down for a player of Wembanyama's size and speed, he can read the defense before he commits, and that is what Johnson says is happening. The 22-year-old is letting the play develop, then moving into the spots where the ball can find him.
That patience also helps the teammates around him. Johnson said Wembanyama's movement away from the ball is opening lanes to the rim for others, which is a different kind of value from the blocks and dunks that fill highlight reels. The Spurs have now won nine straight and sit at 9-2 after two early losses.
The practical stake is simple: a center who can finish efficiently in limited minutes gives San Antonio room to manage his load while keeping the offense flowing. If the recognition Johnson describes holds over a longer stretch, the Spurs' young core has a reference point for the next step in its development.
