LAS VEGAS — As the New York Knicks prepare to face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup final on Tuesday, they are strategizing how to effectively defend one of basketball’s most unique talents, Victor Wembanyama. Standing at 7 feet 4 inches, the French sensation presents an array of challenges that have left opposing teams scrambling to find the right defensive matchups.
Numerous teams have devised plans to stifle Wembanyama’s impact; however, few have succeeded. Coaches are left grappling with his ability to adapt, dragging taller defenders to the perimeter and showcasing his agility, while smaller players get overpowered physically. Even defenders like OG Anunoby, who normally can guard any position on the court, find it difficult to contain Wembanyama, as he can shoot over them without much resistance.
Knicks coach Mike Brown acknowledges the extraordinary difficulty of defending such a player. “You’re not going to be able to guard a guy like that one-on-one,” he remarked after a practice. He emphasized the importance of a collective defensive effort, suggesting that five players must be engaged in the action to effectively limit Wembanyama’s scoring opportunities. Brown hopes that the Knicks’ defenders, with their length and agility, can challenge him at the point of attack while relying on support behind them.
Anunoby is expected to take on the primary defensive role against Wembanyama, bringing the best combination of physicality and agility to the matchup. Anunoby expressed his anticipation for the challenge, noting that guarding elite players offers valuable learning experiences. “It’s always fun to guard great players,” he said. His goal is to disrupt Wembanyama’s rhythm and force him into taking difficult shots.
Alternatively, Brown might consider utilizing Karl-Anthony Towns for the defensive assignment. Since transitioning to the center position, Towns has shown improvement on defense by remaining closer to the paint, an adjustment that could be crucial when facing a player like Wembanyama. However, this presents a dilemma: if Anunoby guards Wembanyama, Towns might find himself matched up against Harrison Barnes, a more perimeter-oriented player, thus pulling him away from the basket.
Wembanyama has just recently returned from a calf injury, coming off the bench in the Spurs’ semifinal victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson was noncommittal on Wembanyama’s minutes for the final, indicating they might manage his playing time to keep him fresh for the critical moments of the game. This could allow Knicks center Mitchell Robinson to create mismatches when he comes off the bench, given his height advantage over Anunoby and superior speed compared to Towns.
As both teams prepare for Tuesday’s clash, the Knicks are aware that while they have developed a defensive strategy, adapting to Wembanyama’s unpredictable style will be key to their success. As teams strategize, the reality remains: plans may falter when confronted with Wembanyama’s extraordinary abilities. This matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown highlighting two teams’ resilience and tactical prowess in the face of one of the league’s most formidable players.