Victor Wembanyama, a French basketball star, said it was an honor to play his first game on the famous parquet court of the Boston Celtics.

Even more impressive to him was what happened on the floor.

“On that team, everyone can hoop.” “Everyone on the court is a threat,” the rookie Spurs player said after scoring 27 points in Boston’s 117-98 win over San Antonio on Wednesday night. “But they all know what their jobs are at the same time.” Everyone is ready to share the ball, from the most important players to the less important ones. “Everyone is ready to play and make the sacrifices.”

Boston is now 20-0 at home this season thanks to 24 points from Jayson Tatum and 21 points from Jaylen Brown, who came back from missing one game. For the Celtics, Jrue Holiday scored 22 points and Luke Kornet grabbed nine boards, which was the same number as his season high. They won their third straight game.

The game was close in the first quarter, but Wembanyama scored 10 points to keep it close. The Spurs (7-33), who have the worst record in the Western Conference, lost their third straight game. He made 10 of 19 shots and grabbed 5 boards.

“We are going to lose more games.” Gregg Popovich, the Spurs coach, said, “We’re not going to win 47 games.” “That doesn’t matter to me, and I’ll make sure they don’t care about it either.” Everyone would rather win than lose. But if they’re not performing or fighting at a certain level. We’ll be on them just as much as we would be if we were ahead. “Those who can’t handle it will be gone.”

Wembanyama, who was picked first in the draft, has been limited in playing time since he rolled his ankle while getting ready for the Dec. 23 game against Dallas. He could play for 27 minutes on Wednesday night, up from 24, but he still won’t play the next two nights in a row.

Two of those games are coming up for the Spurs. Wembanyama said he would not play against Charlotte on Friday night but would play against Washington on Saturday night. That means he will play Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly, who used to play for France and is now with the team.

“I wish I could do both.” He added, “Of course, I’m excited to play against Bilal.” “I tried not to care about this and just say, ‘I’ll trust the coaching staff and do what they tell me.'” I’m happy to play Bilal, though.

“It’s the only person I’ve seen since I was a little kid.” We both made it here, even though it seemed like dreams and something crazy at the time. I’m so proud of him. It will definitely feel strange.”

Wembanyama helped San Antonio stay in the game early on, even though they were behind by three points in the last minute. Early in the second, San Antonio was only down 32–29. But then the Celtics scored eight straight points and 18 of the next 22 points.

Boston led 70–45 at halftime after another 8–0 run at the end of the first half. In the first game of the season, on New Year’s Eve, the Celtics won by 33 points. Popovich said it was never close, even though the Spurs beat Boston 53–47 in the second half.

“We came out on fire, we couldn’t make shots, and then everybody puts their heads down,” he stated. “Then your speed stops, and your defense smells bad.” They are young. That does happen.”

Since Monday, Brown missed Boston’s 105–96 win over the Raptors because his right knee was too far bent. Kristaps Porzingis (right knee soreness) and Derrick White (left ankle sprain) were not playing for the Celtics.