Why Spurs Star Victor Wembanyama Likes Gregg Popovich’s Tough Coaching

The rookie phenom expects to be coached hard in San Antonio.

San Antonio Spurs rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama didn’t expect his first NBA season to be a breeze.

Wembanyama knew it would be a challenge to play for a legendary coach like Gregg Popovich and a franchise seeking to restore its prominence in the Western Conference. During the Spurs’ 109–99 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, Popovich benched the rookie sensation to start the third quarter after he went scoreless in the first half.

However, instead of being angry or annoyed with Popovich’s decision, Wembanyama embraced the move.

“I like to be coached,” Wembanyama said, per the San Antonio Express-News. “I like to be threatened to be sent to the G League if I don’t play the right way. I like when there are consequences to my mistakes.”

The second-half benching ignited Wembanyama, as he finished the game with 26 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks in a Spurs’ comeback attempt that fell short against the Hawks.

With Monday’s loss, the Spurs (7–32) have lost seven of their last 10 games since Dec. 28 and currently sit at the bottom in the Western Conference standings. This season, Wembanyama is currently averaging 19.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and a league-high 3.2 blocks through 34 games.

The Spurs will go on the road to face the Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.