NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – It’ll be a big night in the Smoothie King Center on Friday (Oct. 24) when the Pelicans host Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
As the Pelicans look to earn their first win of the season and set the tone at home, they’ll have to go through the outstretched arms of 7-foot-5 French phenom Wembanyama.
New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson, left, shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. New Orleans won 114-113. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)(Darren Abate | AP)
Wembanyama is in a class all to himself. Already at this point in his young career, he may be the best defender in the NBA. He’s trouble for anyone who dares to glide into the paint and runs well enough to chase down players outside of the perimeter.
On offense, Wembanyama’s 8-foot armspan makes him a force around the rim. But with guard-like handles and a shooter’s touch, he’s a problem even when big-bodied defenders cut off his path to the paint.
When the Pelicans take the floor, they’ll be looking to bounce back from a 128-122 loss in Memphis, in which they gave up a 19-0 run to the Grizzlies in the third quarter.
“I definitely look forward to playing at the Crib,” said Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson. “That’s the City. I hope the City comes out and brings the energy. We’re looking to put on a show.”
At 6′6, Williamson is of average NBA height, but weighing in at 265 lbs., it’s his unusual mix of a power muscular build, athleticism, and sound ball skills that have built his profile of dominance any time he’s on the court. It’s a profile that players outside of LeBron James, Paolo Banchero, and Blake Griffin rarely have.
While both Williamson and Wembanyama are vastly different in physical makeup, they both serve their teams as their gravitational pull.
Williamson and Wembanyama have met in action twice. In those games, Williamson averages 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Wembanyama averages 16.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. The Pelicans have won both of those meetings.
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The last time the two squared off was on Feb. 2, 2024. Williamson and Wembanyama got into a scoring duel down the stretch in a 114-113 thriller. Williamson had one of his best career games, scoring 33 points and the winning layup over Wembanyama on a fast break in the final seconds of regulation.
Fast forward to today, Wembanyama continues to improve while surrounded by a young Spurs team that’s only gotten stronger. The Spurs opened this week with a 125-92 rout over the Mavs. Wembanyama was unstoppable with 40 points and 15 rebounds.
As the Pelicans await the return of frontcourt players Kevon Looney (out, knee) and Karlo Matkovic (questionable, lower back), the task of keeping Wembanyama is a tall one. To address the hole, the Pelicans have signed former NBA Champion and All-Star DeAndre Jordan to a one-year deal.
Tonight, the clash of these titans can be seen on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.
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