Wembanyama Struggles Again: “Never Seen Defenses Like This”
Two games, same story – double-teamed by Suns and Lakers, Wemby struggles but stays composed, seeing it all as part of the learning curve
Another night, another tough lesson for Victor Wembanyama. In the Spurs’ 118–116 loss to the Lakers, the French phenom once again found himself smothered by organized, physical defenses designed specifically to stop him.
After the setback against Phoenix, JJ Redick’s Lakers followed the same blueprint: constant double-teams and heavy contact. Wembanyama finished with 19 points on 5-for-14 shooting, along with five turnovers, before fouling out with just over a minute left in the game.
I’ve never seen defenses this organized. We need to adjust as a team. It was the same thing against the Suns – we froze at times. It’s part of the growth process.
Victor Wembanyama
Same Script, Different Opponent
Los Angeles executed its plan to perfection: fast rotations, crowded paint, and no easy looks. Every Wembanyama touch triggered a defensive swarm, cutting off his comfort zones and breaking San Antonio’s offensive rhythm.
You could tell they had everything prepared in detail. It almost felt like they were letting me get the ball just to double immediately. They were ready for everything.
Victor Wembanyama
Assistant coach Mitch Johnson defended his young star while stressing the team’s responsibility to support him better tactically.
We need to put him in the right spots and run our sets with more structure. But he also has to assert himself — if he’s not getting the ball, he needs to make himself heard, even with us coaches. He’ll get there, it’s just a matter of time.
Mitch Johnson
Despite the adversity, Wembanyama still led the team in scoring. All Spurs starters finished with at least 14 points, but the fourth quarter told the story, 1-for-12 from the field and a 30-20 run for the Lakers erased what had been a 12-point Spurs lead.
No Panic, Just Progress
Hampered by foul trouble and tight coverage, Wembanyama still scored 12 of his 19 points in the second half, including eight free throws. But what stood out wasn’t the stat line – it was his composure.
There’s no worry. The game feels fast right now, but we’ll adapt. Teams are preparing better for us, and that’ll only make us grow faster.
Victor Wembanyama
Teammate Stephon Castle summed it up simply:
Vic works hard, he’s got the right mindset. Slipping is part of the journey. He’ll bounce back fast.
Stephon Castle
At just 21 years old, Wembanyama is learning that the NBA leaves no room for adjustment periods. But each challenge he faces today is shaping the dominant player he’s destined to become.