The Wembanyama show with the Spurs begins for real now

The preseason hype train for San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama reached full steam Friday night in San Francisco.

Playing in the Spurs’ preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft showed off everything he had to offer in one incredible sequence.

First, Wembanyama got the ball behind the 3-point line with 6:33 left in the first quarter. He took two dribbles with his left, crossed it back over to his right hand, got Andrew Wiggins in the air and drained a jump shot from 19 feet.

On the next offensive possession, Wembanyama was guarded by Klay Thompson. Wembanyama caught the ball on the right side and took one dribble to his right. Thompson forced him to the baseline. Wembanyama leaped, drew the contact and threw the ball up from an awkward angle but got it to fall, then he hit the free throw to complete the three-point play.

Thompson tried to get his revenge on the ensuing possession, catching the ball just outside the 3-point line at the top of the key. Wembanyama was lurking just outside the paint near the restricted circle, more than 20 feet away. After one pump fake to lose Keldon Johnson, Thompson went up for the shot, but that pump fake had given Wembanyama all the time he needed to close the distance. Wembanyama blocked the shot, and the ball landed in the hands of Spurs center Zach Collins, who hit a streaking Wembanyama with a perfect outlet pass. Wembanyama waited for Thompson to fly by before dunking with two hands.

Two possessions later, Wembanyama found himself matched up with Wiggins on the wing. Wiggins, having had a 3-point attempt blocked by the 7-foot-3½ Wembanyama earlier in the quarter, tried to take the ball inside. Wiggins drove from the left corner into the paint, with Wembanyama staying with him every step of the way. The 6-foot-8 Wiggins faded to the side as he attempted a jumper that was swatted away with ease. Jeremy Sochan scooped up the ball and…