San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama speaks to reporters at Capital One Arena following his team's victory against the Washington Wizards.
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00:00 What changed in those last five minutes?
00:03 Playing as a team again, I think we were slow.
00:10 I think personally I was very slow. My legs were heavy tonight.
00:14 Getting some stops, we really locked in. I could really feel the shift from all of my teammates,
00:22 me included, in the fourth quarter and the fourth.
00:26 It really worked. Everyone was involved. Jeremy had a big role and had huge standards. It just worked out.
00:37 Was there a particular play or set of plays that you could feel the shift that you're talking about?
00:48 I'm not sure about plays, but personal pride in defense. It was small details all over.
00:57 What was it like playing against Michael?
01:00 Incredible. I'm so proud of him. I've known him for so long now.
01:07 It's always a good thing. It always makes me feel good to see people I love make their dream come true.
01:16 It's happening for him. It's going to happen for more young British basketball prospects.
01:23 I'm very grateful for this.
01:26 On back-to-back positions in the last two minutes, you get a free infantry cutting the basket for a big shot.
01:33 Is that how you envision playing all facets of the game?
01:37 I envision playing as a decisive player, also with a variety of skills.
01:49 If I happen to get the ball and the defense is looking at me, I'm showing it to my teammates.
01:56 It sounds simple, but it's hard on the court. It's adapting.
02:04 You're seeing more and more from Troy at the point. You're a triple-double tonight. What are your thoughts on his play?
02:10 He's been solid all year. I think he's really taken a step up lately.
02:17 It's good to see because I can see at the same time that our team, our whole roster is getting better.
02:25 Our results are getting better. Also, individually, I can see guys getting more comfortable to play with each other.
02:31 Your rim protection was a given coming in, but you've also been able to defend in space without fouls.
02:37 You've been able to handle switches pretty well. Are you at all surprised that that has come to you relatively?
02:43 It seems like it's come to you relatively.
02:46 Am I surprised? No.
02:50 Especially as a young player, as a rookie, with a coach like ours, it starts in defense.
02:59 Growing up in Europe, to gain your spot in the professional roster at 15 or 16, you've got to play yourself in defense.
03:07 Going back to that role as a new guy in the league, it feels good in some way to have this tough role sometimes.
03:15 I ask that just because rookies tend to get called for lots of fouls by officials, regardless of how well they play on a particular possession.
03:24 You aren't getting called.
03:26 I don't know. It's always been a trait of mine, I guess.
03:33 You said your legs felt heavy tonight. Is that unusual for you?
03:36 Yeah. Now, two days without playing feels like a week.
03:42 Now that my body has changed and is adapted to rhythm, so it's – yeah.
03:49 Now, hopefully I can play every game from now on, so it shouldn't be an issue no more.
03:56 It's definitely something I've got to work on.
04:01 Anybody else? We'll get to some French. Go right ahead.
04:05 Hello, Victor. A few words about your reunion with Bilal.
04:08 You're both on a NBA park face-to-face tonight. What does that mean to you?
04:13 It's just incredible. Bilal and I were French champions together seven years ago.
04:20 Seven, almost eight.
04:22 As I said earlier, seeing people I love achieve their dreams is just amazing.
04:30 He's a part of it. The worst part is that he's only just started.
04:34 You can see that he's the most promising player on his team.
04:38 Are you feeling a bit emotional tonight?
04:40 Of course. We're on the pitch, so we've got a job to do.
04:46 It's a lot of emotions after the game and before it. I'm very proud of him.
04:49 You also met the French ambassador in the United States.
04:53 Was it a special meeting for you?
04:56 Do you feel like an ambassador for France here in the United States?
05:01 Do we feel like ambassadors?
05:05 A little bit, but only at the sporting level, not at the political level.
05:11 You said you had heavy legs. I spoke to Bilal a few days ago and he said he's been running a lot.
05:19 Is that the same for you or is it a bit of a new thing?
05:22 No, not really. I don't feel it.
05:28 I feel more and more comfortable, but I feel like if I had heavy legs today, it's because I haven't played in the last few games.
05:38 But even when I don't play, I still do some exercise. Maybe I've put on a bit too much weight.
05:45 You exchanged a few words during the game against France with Bilal.
05:50 I saw you had a little smile.
05:54 I'm not kidding.
05:56 I was going to ask you what you said.
05:59 No, I'm not kidding.
06:00 Did you talk a little before the game?
06:02 Yes, quickly. We just said hello before the game, but then we talked a little.
06:06 It's just amazing to be here.
06:09 There are a lot of people coming in the next game. A lot of French people.
06:13 What do you think about that? Did you see this return of France coming?
06:18 Did I see it coming?
06:23 I've always had a lot of hope in some guys I've known for a long time, but not this time.
06:31 Honestly, I didn't expect that there would be potentially five top 5 drafts in two years in a row.
06:41 Or five top 10s, rather. And potentially two top 1s in a row too.
06:47 I didn't see it coming, but I'm really proud.
06:53 I've known these guys for a long time, and I'm close to them.
06:57 I have a lot of hope for French basketball in the future.
07:02 The All-Star is coming soon. You're a candidate, are you hoping for that?
07:08 Of course, like everyone else.
07:11 Any ambitions?
07:14 It's not like I have a choice.
07:18 But yes, of course, the goal is always to win.
07:23 To be in Rudy's footsteps?
07:25 Yes, of course. And others.
07:27 Thanks, Fake.
07:28 Appreciate you guys.
07:29 >> Thank you.