Victor Wembanyama defied Popovich and checked himself back into game

Victor Wembanyama defied San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich and checked himself late into the game vs. Grizzlies even though he was on a minutes restriction.

San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama defied his head coach Gregg Popovich during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The 19-year-old was on a minutes restriction and he was subbed out after playing 24 minutes and the Spurs being down by 16.

However, with 1:46 left, Wembanyama checked back into court before being subbed out again at the 1:10 mark.

“I wasn’t allowed to sub in, but I still did it, and the coach sent me out right after,” Wembanyama revealed after the game.

Wembanyama revealed he believed the Spurs were still in the game and wanted to contribute.

“I know the wise option is to listen to the staff even though it is hard and frustrating,” Wembanyama added.

Meanwhile, Popovich said Wembanyama’s minutes restriction might be coming to an end.

“In a certain amount of time, we will take more pictures, and that will determine whether the minutes thing changes or not,” Popovich said.

Wembanyama has been averaging 18.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 3.1 blocks per game in 29 appearances for the Spurs.

Victor Wembanyama gets candid about his playing time

Victor Wembanyama with the Spurs arena in the background

Wembanyama has played in four of the Spurs’ five games since that night in Dallas, missing the second night of a back-to-back against the Portland Trail Blazers last week. The Spurs are limiting him to 24 minutes per game as a result of the right ankle tweaks that occurred leading up to Christmas.

Tuesday, he checked himself back in — despite his coach’s wishes — with San Antonio about to cut what had been a 16-point deficit just minutes before to ten with two Jeremy Sochan free throws.

“I understand, of course, I’m wrong for, you know, wanting to…you know, I agree with this restriction so I’m wrong if…” the French phenom hesitated, almost as if his trying to figure out the best way to phrase frustration equaled his search for the correct words in English.

“During the game, I just talk to the coaches and say, yeah, like, I played 25 minutes already, what’s two more? Looking back, of course, I understand their point of view, but at the moment it’s hard,” Wembanyama continued.

He led the team with 20 points and four blocks, and his seven rebounds were tops along with Dominick Barlow.

“At the moment, of course, I want to play. I’m frustrated. The wise option is to listen to the staff but it’s hard. It’s frustrating.”