In the midst of the NBA In-Season Tournament Night, Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama faced off on the court.
The Minnesota Timberwolves emerged victorious, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 117-110, with the 31-year-old Gobert achieving a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Contrastingly, the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft concluded the game with an impressive stat line of 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, despite his team ultimately experiencing a loss.
“It feels special. I know every night there’s going to be one or two guys who are special to play against. But even more, it’s someone who over the years has tried to take care of me and teach me some stuff. It was even more special and challenging,” he commented on his countryman.
“I think his positioning is way ahead of the positioning of a rookie. You can tell that he is well-coached and also that he is studying the game. That will only get better throughout the year. He’s already affecting [shots], he’s already getting in people’s minds a bit defensively.
“He’s going to be a real, real problem. He’s already a problem, but I think he’s going to be a real, real problem really soon. So I’m really happy and proud of the way he’s evolving and his progression.”
Victor Wembanyama gave his all to keep San Antonio afloat, and Rudy Gobert said nothing but great words about his effort.
“That’s what he lives for. He lives for those moments. He’s a competitor. He’s a winner. All those things that, like I said, the way he works, his mindset, the way he studies the game.
“You add that to obviously the unique physical tools that he has. And I don’t think we’re going to see something like that for a while,” he commented before touching on his near future.
“His approach, his dedication, the work that he puts in, and the work he put in the last three months since the draft is paying off. I saw a big difference between summer league and preseason.
“You can tell he was in the gym, and not just in the gym, but he was doing the right thing. It’s hard to imagine what it’s going to be – and he will – after a couple of years of working like he’s doing. I can’t even imagine how he’s going to evolve.”
During the NBA Cup Night, Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama met for the first time ever as opponents in a French big men’s clash 🇫🇷
After the win, the three-time DPOY said the 19-year-old’s “already a problem”, praising his fourth-quarter scoring effort:https://t.co/IcXCh38ju5
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) November 11, 2023
