‘Overrated!’ Knicks fans roast Wembanyama on and off-court after MSG debut
By Tyler Watts
The New York Knicks dominated the Spurs on Wednesday night and shut down hyped rookie Victor Wembanyama. Plenty was made before the contest about Wemby’s first game at Madison Square Garden (subscription required) on the anniversary of Michael Jordan’s MSG opener, but Mitchell Robinson and the Knicks shut him down.
The 19-year-old had just two points in the first half and did not make his first field goal until just over three minutes were remaining in the third quarter. There were “overrated” chants on the forgettable night for the most hyped prospect since LeBron James and the Knicks took full advantage.
It was arguably the team’s best offensive game of the season, and New York looked like they would be 82-0 if they faced the Spurs every night.
New York Knicks fans crush Victor Wembanyama after horrific first showing at MSG
Wemby struggled early and often on Nov. 8, and it resulted in the worst game of his young NBA career. It was clear that he was not feeling it from the start.
Wembanyama has those MSG gitters lol
— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) November 9, 2023
“The lights were brighter than expected.” pic.twitter.com/8eJt61TfM2
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) November 9, 2023
Fans were quick to point out the strong defense played by Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein in shutting down Wemby on Wednesday night.
Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein showing up to guard Victor Wembanyama tonight pic.twitter.com/Iv1omGqT9X
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) November 9, 2023
I was told Wembanyama was him but him would never let Mitch Rob and Hartenstein put the clamps on
— Zil (@tweedleson) November 9, 2023
New York’s big man used their strength and had Wembanyama completely off his game. The 19-year-old big man finally made a jumper in the third quarter, but it was too little too late for San Antonio.
Garden crowd cheers as Victor Wembanyama sinks a mid-range two with just over 3 minutes to go in the third quarter. Wembanyama is now 1-of-8 from the field for 4 points. He is minus-27.
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) November 9, 2023
Victor Wembanyama finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, and one block in 30 minutes of action on Wednesday night. He was just four of 14 from the field and missed all four of his 3-point tries on his way to a negative-25 plus/minus. Much of his production came in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach, despite the Spurs comeback attempt.
It was not the rookie’s night, but the entire New York roster stood out. Jalen Bruson led the way with 25 points and six assists. R.J. Barrett made five 3-pointers on his way to 21, and Immanuel Quickley provided a spark off the bench with 19 points. Julius Randle had a 23-point double-double to cap it off.
New York dominated the Spurs from the opening tip to get back to .500 on the season. Every Knicks starter had a positive plus-minus, and New York had a fantastic game plan on Wednesday night.
Things are trending up as the New York Knicks have won two straight and wrap up their three-game homestand against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday afternoon. Was their dominating performance against the Spurs a sign of things to come in the Big Apple? All signs are positive right now.