LeBron James spots a weakness in Victor Wembanyama before the Spurs vs. Thunder game
LeBron James has shared his top idea for stopping the hot Victor Wembanyama before Game 3 of the Spurs-Thunder series.
LeBron recently faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA playoffs but was swept. The Thunder are now tied 1-1 with the Spurs as the Western Conference Finals heat up. Wembanyama gave an incredible performance in Game 1, scoring 41 points and grabbing 24 rebounds in a double overtime win for San Antonio.
Even though Wembanyama played well in Game 2—with 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks—the Thunder bounced back with a 122-113 win to even the series.
LeBron thinks he knows the best way to slow down the 7-foot-4 French star, who might have the most amazing physical traits ever seen in the NBA. Wembanyama is excellent at blocking shots, averaging 3.1 blocks a game, way ahead of the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren who averages 1.9.
On the Mind the Game podcast, LeBron said, “The first thing I think about is if you can get five good shooters and playmakers with size all on the floor. Not many teams can do that, but OKC can. When Wembanyama overhelps or their defense gets broken, guys need to be ready to shoot and make plays fast. We want to keep him above the key as much as possible. If he’s guarding someone, don’t let him be the low man in the defense because that’s easier for him.”
Wembanyama called his match-up with Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander personal after Game 1, after some fans were upset that Wembanyama wasn’t an MVP finalist. Gilgeous-Alexander answered with a strong Game 2, scoring 30 points with big assists.
LeBron added, “You have to create tough spots for him. If you run pick-and-rolls, keep his guy on the high side so it’s harder for Wembanyama to help inside. Make him guard the ball in ways that stop him from protecting the rim so much.”
No matter what the best way is to stop Wembanyama, LeBron’s advice definitely matters.
The 22-year-old star and his Spurs teammates head back to the Frost Bank Center tonight for Game 3 of what’s shaping up to be one of the best NBA playoffs series ever.