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NBAComparing the MSG Debuts of Victor Wembanyama, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan
- Victor Wembanyama had a rough debut at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night
- Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan dazzled in his first-ever NBA game at MSG back in 1984
- LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to victory in his first NBA game in New York
Victor Wembanyama isn’t perfect.
Basketball fans were reminded of that on Wednesday night when he delivered a disappointing performance in his first NBA game at Madison Square Garden.
Sports Brief compares the Frenchman’s MSG debut to Michael Jordan and LeBron James’ first games in the Mecca of Basketball.
Wemby disappoints in first MSG game
Victor Wembanyama struggled mightily in his first-ever game at Madison Square Garden, scoring 14 points in the San Antonio Spurs’ 126-105 loss to the New York Knicks.
He shot just 4 of 14 from the floor, missing his first seven field goal attempts, per ESPN.
Wembanyama finished the first half with just two points to his name as the Spurs trailed 65-51 at the break.
He only had one made basket in the first three quarters. That lone field goal came with just three minutes and 18 seconds left in the third quarter.
He had difficulty matching up against Mitchell Robinson, missing all of his six field goal attempts and hoisting two airballs when the Knicks center was his primary defender.
MJ impresses in first MSG game
Jordan made his Madison Square Garden debut on November 8, 1984, and he lived up to the hype in just his seventh NBA game.
He stuffed the stat sheet in the Chicago Bulls’ 121-106 win over the Knicks, recording 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks.
He shot 15 of 22 from the field in 33 minutes of action, per Sports Illustrated. Jordan holds the record for most career points per game at MSG with 31.8.
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NBALeBron James’ first MSG game
James made his first appearance at Madison Square Garden as an NBA player on February 22, 2004, in a Sunday showdown with the Knicks.
He led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 92-86 victory, scoring 22 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out three assists in the win.
James shot 7 of 20 from the field and knocked down eight of his 12 free throw attempts against New York.
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Comparing LeBron and Wemby's NBA debuts
Sports Brief also recently compared LeBron James and Wembanyama's NBA debuts.
Wembanyama played limited minutes in his first game for the Spurs due to foul trouble.
He still finished with 15 points as San Antonio lost 126-119 against the Dallas Mavericks.