Victor Wembanyama believes San Antonio is in a strong position after the Spurs improved to 8-2 with a 125-103 win over Portland on Saturday.
“Feel like we’re in a great spot. We’re in a great spot,” Wembanyama said after scoring 29 points in just 24 minutes at Moda Center. The Spurs have won eight of their first 10 games and are continuing to develop their identity.
The 22-year-old center stressed the importance of trusting the team’s approach rather than forcing individual performances.
“We got to trust the game plan, trust our teammates,” Wembanyama said. “The game is missing sometimes. It’s as simple as that, because we know we got talent.”
Wembanyama shot 9-of-13 from the field, made three of six three-pointers and went 8-of-9 at the free-throw line against Portland. He also contributed seven rebounds and three assists as San Antonio secured its fourth road victory in as many games.
The Spurs have already faced different challenges during their 10-game start, but Wembanyama believes tougher tests remain.
“We’ve been tested in a couple of ways, but there’s still many ways that remain for us to be tested in,” he said. “The season is long and there’s going to be difficulties that we can’t anticipate.”
San Antonio has made progress while players adjust to different responsibilities, according to Wembanyama. He pointed to the importance of finding consistency as the season develops.
“10 games in, the season goes by quick, but we’re building,” Wembanyama said. “Everybody’s figuring out new roles.”
He also noted that San Antonio faces a different challenge after reaching last season’s Western Conference finals.
“We as finalists of last year have a different season than everybody else,” Wembanyama said. “We got to find that rhythm.”
The Spurs have received contributions from several players during their 8-2 start. Devin Vassell scored 15 against Portland, while Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie added 14 apiece. Dylan Harper finished with 13 points.
Wembanyama’s 29 points came without needing an extended workload, as San Antonio built a 33-point lead entering the fourth quarter. The Spurs can continue developing their rotations while managing their star’s minutes.
San Antonio visits Phoenix on Monday, while Portland hosts Oklahoma City on Tuesday and Wednesday.
