Victor Wembanyama makes dazzling NBA preseason debut / News - Basketnews.com

Victor Wembanyama dropped 20 points in his first preseason game with the San Antonio Spurs. For the OKC, Chet Holmgren returned to action following a long absence due to injury.

Credit: AP Photo/Sarah Phipps - Scanpix Credit AP Photo/Sarah Phipps - Scanpix

Victor Wembanyama scored 20 points in 19 minutes in his much-anticipated NBA preseason debut, a 121-122 loss by the San Antonio Spurs to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.

The first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft went 8/13 from the field and 2/5 from 3-point range before being subbed midway through the third quarter. Wembanyama added five rebounds and two steals, along with a game-high four turnovers.

The 19-year-old Frenchman was able to give plenty of glimpses of the combination of size and skill that has caused excitement since his arrival in the NBA.

A spin move and layup midway through the second period caught the eye, while at the other end, a remarkable block on Jalen Williams in the first quarter showcased his defensive skills.

"I thought he was fine," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said of Wembanyama's display."No big game plan for him or anything like that. He just went out and played basketball which he likes to do and he's good at.

"We're still figuring out where we can take the most advantage of his abilities. I'm not sure he's even sure. But he's a smart guy so he'll figure it out even if I don't. We corrected him on some things tonight, mostly on the defensive end. But that's expected for all new players, coming into the league."

Wembanyama was satisfied with his opening performance.

"In terms of the game it's what I expected," he said. "I'm very hopeful, because we had some great sequences in the first half.I'm a rookie, so what I've got to do is play hard, give 100%. I was just trying to put energy at all times. But I can do better."

His first regular-season game will take place in a little over two weeks when the Spurs host the Dallas Mavericks on October 25. San Antonio take on Miami on Friday in their next pre-season game.

Monday's contest also saw the return of Thunder center Chet Holmgren, the second overall pick in the 2022 Draft but missed the entirety of his debut season with a foot injury. Holmgren posted a game-high 21 points, along with nine rebounds in just 16 minutes, and made both of his two 3-point attempts.

"They're going to be a lot of fun for everybody to watch over their careers," Popovich said of Wembanyama and Holmgren.

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