New York – Knicks fans had a very memorable night in the Madison Square Garden. Aside from beloved NBA commentator Hubie Brown starting his 50th season, 2023 first-overall pick Victor Wembanyama also debuts in MSG. But, it’s really a concrete jungle in the Big Apple as Wembanyama immediately gets the New York Knicks treatment.
No love for Wemby in New York
Late in the third quarter, while Victor Wembanyama was at the free-throw line, Knicks fans started chanting “overrated” to the 7-foot-4 rookie. At this time, the 19-year-old French star has played 23 minutes but only managed to score 4 points. However, despite the banter in the crowd, Wembanyama makes his shots on the charity stripe and moves on.
Knicks fans, as usual, always pull out this kind of stunt. This fanbase is known to be one of the most toxic in the NBA and it has been that way for many years. Remember when they tried to talk smack to Trae Young in the 2021 playoffs? Well, that did not do them any good. Trae has owned New York and lives on the fans’ minds rent-free. Now, they’re onto the up-and-coming star who is touted to be a bigger prospect than LeBron James.
This immediately went viral and NBA fans quickly took notice of how outrageous some Knicks fans can be.
Spurs at Knicks: 3 Takeaways in Wembanyama’s MSG debut
1. Wembanyama was having an off night while the New York Knicks were triumphant on both offense and defense
The “overrated” chants probably didn’t affect Wembanyama, but he was playing poorly already even before that. Is New York really too big for the 19-year-old? The French stud only finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds in 30 minutes.
Wemby has already shown he can be the best of both worlds. He’s proven it with his 38-point outburst against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns last week. Last night wasn’t just his night.
2. The Knicks are a pretty good team if the Barrett-Brunson-Randle trio plays well
Julius Randle has been shooting bricks this season with a 31.6% field goal percentage and 25.9% percentage from the three-point line. But, the two-time All-Star is still a valuable contributor to the Knicks. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett are having excellent starts.
If only they play this well throughout the regular season, there’s no denying the Knicks can be a top seed in the East. Still, the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics are the biggest teams in this conference, but the Knicks can do some damage if they wake up.
3. Mitchell Robinson delivered and shut down Wembanyama
Six-year veteran Mitchell Robison made an intriguing promise before facing Wembanyama and the Spurs on Wednesday.
“I’m going to play him just like he’s one of those like Kristaps Porzingis, kind of [players]. Who else plays like that? Bol Bol? Just got a mix them two together. I kind of got a feel for how it should go.” – Mitchell Robinson before the Knicks vs Spurs game.
Well, he did deliver and locked down Wemby throughout the game. Mitchell took the responsibility of guarding the young big man and he was somehow successful. Mitchell finished with 8 points and 12 rebounds.
Mitchell Robinson says he’s ready to defend Victor Wembanyama
“I’m going to play him just like he’s one of those like Kristaps Porzingis, kind of [players]. Who else plays like that? Bol Bol? Just got a mix them two together. I kind of got a feel for how it should go.”
(Via… pic.twitter.com/ZTtUWCz5OS
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 8, 2023
Mitchell Robinson tonight:
8 PTS | 12 REB | 1 STL | 75% FG | +30Victor Wembanyama tonight:
14 PTS | 9 REB | 2 AST | 29% FG | -25Wemby’s first FG came when SA was down 30. Respect Mitchell Robinson. pic.twitter.com/K5aYWkoykG
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) November 9, 2023
