Wemby’s shocking late-game weakness could cost the Spurs when it counts

Out of all the many skills Victor Wembanyama possesses, it was a pleasant surprise to find out how clutch he can be. In his three years, we've seen the Alien drill had-to-have-it threes, pull-up mid-ranges, and lay-ups. His first claim to fame is his defense, and that shows up, too, as he's had a few game-saving blocks. But he's bad from the free-throw line when the game is tight, and that's odd.

It really doesn't make much sense considering how effective he is in the clutch at all those things I mentioned above. It baffles the mind even more when you realize he shoots 83% from the foul line on average this season. So, I don't really know what happens at the charity stripe in the final five minutes of a tight game that throws him off, but it's something that needs correcting ASAP.

The Spurs can't lose playoff games at the foul line

The Silver and Black probably have the most painful memory of all time stemming from missed free throws on the biggest stage possible. I'm sorry to bring it up, but I must.

In 2013, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard both missed a free throw apiece in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, preceding the fated Ray Allen corner three that forced overtime before San Antonio lost the game and ultimately lost the series.

Even after the Spurs bounced back the following season, winning the title and beating the bejeezus out of Miami in the process, Ginobili talked about how much missing that free throw "devastated" him, and knowing the type of competitor he is, it probably gnawed at him years later. This is an understandable feeling, because you never want to beat yourself, and that's what's at stake here.

When this ball club, led by a young core, gets to the postseason, they're going to run into increased physicality, more detailed game plans, and heightened atmospheres. There will be enough things to worry about without adding the potential to drop games at the free-throw line to the plate.

Local beat reporter Matthew Tynan shared a clip of Vic working on his free throws yesterday. I'm sure that's not abnormal because, as I said, he's an 83% free throw shooter. But he's also smarter than your average 22-year-old, so I'm sure he's noticed how much his efficiency is dropping in the most critical moments of the game.

Like everything else in his game, fans should expect him to work on and improve it. It would be nice if the Spurs just blew everyone out every game, but we know that's not the reality. But once he cleans that up—if he can clean that up—he'll be one step closer to being the most perfect basketball player ever born.