By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Victor Wembanyama pushed Chuck’s Global Stars to the Final of the NBA All-Star mini-tournament but his efforts fell well shy of a win against Shaq’s OGs in Chase Center on Sunday.
“It was better than I expected. The format, 40 points, I think it worked out really well. It felt like there were high stakes in the games,” the French star of the San Antonio Spurs described in a media session following the Final.
Wemby scored a team-high 17 points between the Semifinal and the Final, including 11 in the championship game. Playing at home on the opposite end, Stephen Curry paved the way for the OGs and was named Most Valuable Player.
“He took it serious. He was playing hard. He was showing his unique skill set all across the board. It was very similar to Giannis a couple years ago when he was dunking everything and sprinting up and down the floor,” the 36-year-old point guard of the Golden State Warriors praised Wembanyama and compared him to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“I’m proud of being an All-Star. I’m proud of giving everything that I have,” said the 21-year-old center.
Interactions stretched to Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic wondering why he brought a book in the locker room.
Nikola Jokic couldn’t believe Victor Wembanyama brought a book to the All-Star locker room!
pic.twitter.com/DvYczsLcYl— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) February 17, 2025
Following the All-Star Game, the focus now switches to the bottom end of the 2024-25 Regular Season and seeking a berth in the 2025 Playoffs with the Spurs.
“Gaining a bit of confidence because we have such changes in the season. Also defense I think is the key. Going back to the status of one of the best defenses is the key,” Wemby talked about requirements for his first appearance in the postseason.