NBA “Rising Stars” game, Victor Wembanyama faced an unexpected setback

Victor Wembanyama’s aspirations for triumph in the NBA All-Star week’s ‘Rising Stars’ tournament were dashed abruptly on Friday (Saturday, Manila time) as his team suffered an unexpected 41-36 defeat in the semifinals.

The San Antonio Spurs’ rookie, Wembanyama, led a formidable lineup under the guidance of Spanish basketball icon Pau Gasol, a squad that many had predicted would easily advance to Friday’s final. However, their opponents, coached by Germany’s three-time NBA All-Star Detlef Schrempf and composed of players from the NBA’s G-League development league, defied expectations with a well-deserved victory in the first-to-40 semifinal.

Mac McClung emerged as the top scorer for the underdogs with 12 points, supported by Alondes Williams who contributed 11 points. While France’s Wembanyama showcased his talent with 11 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and a steal, it wasn’t sufficient to propel “Team Pau” to success.

Despite boasting a strong roster featuring the likes of Brandin Podziemski from the Golden State Warriors and Brandon Miller, the No. 2 draft pick from the Charlotte Hornets, Schrempf’s team swiftly seized control, establishing a commanding 10-point lead at 23-13 before securing the win.

However, the underdogs faced a tougher challenge in the final on Friday, succumbing to a 26-13 defeat against a team led by Jalen Rose.

The Rising Stars tournament serves as the highlight of the All-Star weekend’s opening day, preceding the skills competition on Saturday and the NBA All-Star game on Sunday.

Sports News: NBA “Rising Stars” game, Victor Wembanyama faced an unexpected setback