Often criticized this season, Victor Wembanyama’s teammates were at the level this Wednesday against Jazz.

After the meeting, the number 1 was also very clear about his role in their progress. It’s hard not to agree.

Left to rest during the Spurs’ victory against Phoenix earlier in the week, Victor Wembanyama was back this Wednesday to challenge the Jazz.

A team well within reach of Gregg Popovich’s men on paper, and they knew how to get the job done on the pitch. For once, the effort was perfectly collective.

Indeed, no less than 5 players from San Antonio have exceeded the 15 point mark, which is not insignificant for a group in which the Frenchman is often alone.

Behind the latter’s 19 units, Jeremy Sochan, Julian Champagnie and Malaki Branham stood out with 17 points each, compared to 31 for the excellent Devin Vassell.

Victor Wembanyama talks about his teammates

Visiting a press conference following the 17th victory of the season, the number 1 could have highlighted this collective offensive work.

But what he especially noticed was the team’s defensive performance, which was very serious from start to finish.

He notably explained how he allowed his partners to feel free on this side of the field

Obviously I always try to cover my teammates’ mistakes, and I allow them to take more risks defensively.

They know I can make up for their mistakes under the basket.

In attack we have to play together, it’s logical, but it also works for defense.

Great teams always manage to work together defensively.

I also know where I want to be present on the pitch, and that requires a good knowledge of the opponents.

Since the start of the season, Victor Wembanyama’s teammates have been particularly criticized by observers and certain fans, who do not believe them at the level necessary to help the Frenchman.

But the latter knows very well that the group’s progress will pass through him, both defensively and offensively

. He wants his partners to take risks, knowing that he is there to correct small mistakes.

The only player in the NBA that can do this pic.twitter.com/RKyNsO3308

— Spurs Culture (@SpursCulture) March 28, 2024

Victor Wembanyama is well aware of his role in the development of his teammates.\

He wants to play in a group that takes risks, that plays without fear, and that requires presence in the racket.