Charles Bassey was the best player on the floor last Saturday not named Victor Wembanyama. Too bad we didn’t see enough of him.
Wembanyama and Bassey led San Antonio Spurs past the Portland Trailblazers Saturday night at Frost Bank Center 114-94.
Bassey, the backup center, scored 16 points and had 12 rebounds in just 18 minutes of play for the Spurs. He was the perfect compliment to Wembanyama, who had a block party with 10 blocked shots on the night.
Bassey was a very consistent 7-of-9 from the field. When he touched the ball it seemed to go in. Had Bassey played more minutes, he might have had Wembanyama-like numbers. The big Frenchman had 30 points left on Saturday night with his blocks.
READ MORE: Wembanyama Inches NBA Record Closer After 10-Block Outing
Bassey posted career highs in points and rebounds. He delivered a double-double off the bench. It was his second such match in his last five times on the floor.
“For me, the more games I play, the more experience I get,” Bassey said after the game. “I’ve been consistent lately coming off the bench.”
Bassey credits the team effort for his individual success on the court. The synergy between the players was outstanding, he said.
“We just went with our game plan. We went into the game thinking about defense,” Bassey said. “It’s the communication. It’s like a quarterback talking to the guys on the floor. I really like the way we communicate. The more games we play, the better we get.”
Bassey knows his role and the team. He knows he is needed from the bench to spell Wembanyama. He said he is satisfied.
“I’m just doing my job,” Bassey said. “I know defensive teams win games. I’m counted on for my defense. The offense will follow.”
Bassey said the players buy into the game plan and follow the execution of the plan in the games.
“We’re just building on the chemistry that we do in practice. The chemistry is coming together,” Bassey said. “What we do in practice is ultimately transferring to the games.”
