Victor Wembanyama and the “Big Fundamental” Adjustment

A tectonic shift may be required to change the course of the 2026 NBA Finals

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Two Games, Same Story

Twice in this series, San Antonio has built significant leads. Twice, it hasn’t mattered.

Through two games, the Spurs have been good enough to control stretches but not disciplined enough to finish them. That distinction has defined the Finals so far.

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The Knicks have reduced the game to its simplest elements and executed them better. Their three-point production comes from three repeatable sources: Karl-Anthony Towns above the break, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges mainly in the corners, and Landry Shamet as a rhythm shooter.

Nothing exotic. Just precision.

The Wembanyama Problem

Victor Wembanyama’s Finals performance has, by his standards, been underwhelming, not just in output, but in impact.

I have aggregated the “concussion” and the “flagrant 2” games into one, thus counting 16 games pre-Finals. 

Finals vs. rest of the post season:

Points: 27.5 vs 24.6

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Compared to earlier rounds, his efficiency is down, turnovers are up, and his influence has diminished. The eye test confirms it: less force, less inevitability, fewer moments where the game bends around him.

From the Knicks’ perspective, Towns’ shooting (43% from deep) stretches the Spurs’ defense because it is embedded in structure, rhythmic, balanced, with options. KAT’s long threes, top of the key, are in rhythm and he always maintain his triple-threat options, which has led to some impressive drives to the rim leaving Vic behind, or he timely passes the ball (4 assists per game) to his teammates. 

On the other end, Victor’s attempts look like the threes a SG or a PG would take, especially someone like Curry. Wembanyama’s threes are often high difficulty attempts that disconnect possessions when they miss.

Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

| Brad Penner-Imagn Images

A Matchup the Knicks Are Winning

Karl-Anthony Towns has contained Wembanyama effectively. He is mobile enough to stay in front, disciplined with fouls, and large enough to contest. KAT has reduced his “silly” fouls to a point…

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Publish date : 2026-06-08 19:43:00

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