Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama breaks down viral airport clip with Gregg Popovich appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
San Antonio Spurs president of basketball operations and former head coach Gregg Popovich is obviously advised to take it easy when possible, as is the case for any 77-year-old who suffered a stroke less than two years ago, but he thought it was necessary to take action after the squad’s Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The five-time NBA champion wanted to speak with franchise keystone Victor Wembanyama as soon as possible, so he met him at the airport. Their interaction has gained considerable attention on social media, with many people taking note of the gesture. The Spurs superstar center, who was ejected in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals for elbowing Naz Reid in the neck/jaw, shared his thoughts on the Popovich exchange after Tuesday’s 126-97 victory.
“He maybe wanted to make a statement or make his talking even more impactful by being there,” Wembanyama told SPURFECT’s Carolina Teague after posting 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and three blocks in Game 5. “But he gives feedback and talks to us regularly throughout series, throughout games. As always, when he speaks, everybody listens.”
The Defensive Player of the Year and MVP finalist did not wish to reveal specific details about his conversation with the Spurs legend, but one can assume that Popovich’s airport arrival made a strong impression.
When a top player finds himself at the center of controversy following a much-discussed ejection, it is only natural for one of the team’s highest-ranking executives to request a one-on-one conversation with the man. Fans can only speculate as to what was said, but Gregg Popovich’s mere presence underscores the importance that Victor Wembanyama carries within this franchise.
The 7-foot-5 Frenchman was completely dialed-in on Tuesday. He will try to lead San Antonio to its first conference finals appearance since 2017, as the Spurs prepare to face the Timberwolves in the Target Center on Friday night.
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