The number one pick in this year’s draft, Victor Wembanyama, made his Summer League debut in Las Vegas on Friday night against the second pick in this year’s draft Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets at a sold-out Thomas & Mack Center.
The last time there was a sellout for a Las Vegas Summer League game was in 2019, when Zion Williamson made his debut.
Wembanyama, who joined San Antonio in Vegas after the team played two games in the California Classic Summer League, struggled at times with his shot but made up for it on the defensive end. The Frenchman finished with nine points(2/13 FGM, 1/6 3PM), eight rebounds, three assists, and five blocks as the Spurs defeated Charlotte 76-68.
Every time Wembanyama touched the ball, the fans reacted.
“Overall, I’m glad we won this game,” he said after the game. “There’s no better way to start for your premiere. Honestly, I didn’t really know what I was doing on the court tonight. I’m trying to learn for next game.”
At times, Wembanyama looked a little lost on the floor, and he did appear to struggle with the speed of the game. The 7-3 big man did show off his dribbling and passing skills, but it’s clear he must get stronger. However, he’s 19, so that strength will come in time.
San Antonio’s Julian Champagnie led the way with a game-high 20 points to go with eight rebounds and six assists, while Malaki Branham had 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
For the Hornets, Brandon Miller finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
The Spurs led by as many as 16 points and had a 13-point lead entering the fourth. Charlotte eventually cut the lead to 73-66, with 1:04 remaining on the clock. On the next possession, Dominick Barlow found Branham for three to extend the Spurs’ lead back to double figures, all but sealing the game.
The Spurs will play Scoot Henderson(third pick in this year’s draft) and the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday in their second game of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas(8 PM CT).
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