This Saturday night, a French showdown favored the more tenacious competitor. In Charlotte, Moussa Diabaté effectively contained Victor Wembanyama, forcing him out of his rhythm. The Hornets held off a late charge from the Spurs to secure a thrilling 111-106 victory, marking their sixth consecutive win.
Match Overview
The San Antonio Spurs started strong, leading 30-26 early on, but tensions quickly escalated. Diabaté embraced the physical challenge, cutting off passing lanes and contesting shots, making every touch for Wembanyama feel like a negotiation. As a result, Wembanyama had to navigate challenging shots from long range, struggling to find his rhythm.
In a duel of French centers, the matchup showcased Diabaté’s performance against Wembanyama:
- 🇫🇷 Moussa Diabaté: 12 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST, 2 BLK
- 🇫🇷 Victor Wembanyama: 16 PTS, 7 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL
The Hornets celebrated their 111-106 victory, further cementing their impressive streak.
Turning Point in the Second Quarter
The turning point came in the second quarter when Charlotte exploded with a 35-17 run, igniting the Spectrum Center and taking a commanding 61-47 lead at halftime. Brandon Miller stepped up in scoring, LaMelo Ball facilitated play, and Collin Sexton made multiple three-pointers. Meanwhile, Diabaté was instrumental, securing offensive rebounds and consistently contributing around the rim.
Despite their struggles, the Spurs made a push in the second half. Dylan Harper provided energy off the bench, Stephon Castle quickened the pace, and De’Aaron Fox orchestrated a rally that narrowed the gap to just two possessions in the dying moments of the game. However, Charlotte answered back, often through Diabaté, who blocked two shots in the fourth quarter, grabbed critical rebounds, and had a crucial tip-in with less than two minutes left, extending the lead to 106-102.
In the final sequences, the stage was set for another battle between the two centers. With just 36 seconds remaining, a challenge resulted in a jump ball involving Diabaté and Wembanyama. Following that, Wembanyama launched a long shot but missed. Charlotte sealed their victory by converting free throws.
Player Performances
Moussa Diabaté concluded his night with 12 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and a plus-minus rating of +19. His all-around performance defined him as the standout big man on the court, showcasing his ability to be clutch and contributing significantly to the Hornets’ continued success.
In contrast, Victor Wembanyama finished with 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting, failing to connect on three attempts from beyond the arc, ending with a plus-minus of -14. Rather than being locked down, Wembanyama appeared uncharacteristic due to a relentless defensive effort from Charlotte. Both players are set to represent their country in Los Angeles in two years, alongside Alex Sarr, Guerschon Yabusele, and Rudy Gobert, solidifying the future of French basketball.
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