The New York Knicks have been a major problem for Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. In the first two games of the series, the Knicks have exploited the Spurs’ impressive defense. In the first three series that San Antonio played in, the team established a dominant force on the defensive end. However, their tactics have not worked against New York.
The Spurs have primarily used Wembanyama as a zone defender inside the paint. With his height, length and reach, he scares opposing teams from using the driving lane to generate easy points. Against the Knicks, however, the NBA star has become more active in following their outside shooters, removing himself from the paint.
Ahead of Game 3, Victor Wembanyama was asked about the challenge that the Spurs have encountered in facing the Knicks. Since he’s been everywhere on both ends of the floor, he hasn’t had a chance to take a breather when he’s on the court. However, he shrugged it off and is focused on finishing the task at hand.
“The challenge (has) been mostly about will, the will to do it, and I feel like I’ll take a breather at the end of the season,” Wembanyama said.
Wembanyama has done everything he can to carry the Spurs to victory. Over the past two games, he has averaged 27.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks. In Game 2, he had a chance to win the game for San Antonio, but missed a mid-range shot over Mitchell Robinson.