Victor Wembanyama continues to dominate but the physical toll is becoming impossible to ignore originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Victor Wembanyama will not face a suspension after his ejection in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The NBA generally issues postseason bans only in cases involving clear malicious intent or when a player’s flagrant foul points reach a certain threshold, neither of which applied here.
However, there has been discussion about the physical treatment Wembanyama is receiving from the Timberwolves. Former NBA champion Antonio Daniels said that opposing teams are deliberately targeting him due to his dominance and potential.
“We've had the conversation about Wimby, the fact that he is going to be, if he remains healthy, the best player to ever touch a basketball ever touch a basketball,” Daniels spoke on SiriusXM NBA Radio on Monday. “And all that continues to happen. He continues to prove that every time he steps on the floor with his overall impact.
“But this is a part of the growth process for me, for Wembanyama now. Because if I can't stop you, what are my options?"
Wembanyama reportedly dealt with multiple scratches and bruises after Game 3, which is becoming a common theme as opponents attempt to slow him down with physical defense. The Spurs star has acknowledged this reality himself, as he said that playoff basketball inevitably brings added contact and punishment.
However, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson took a stronger stance after Game 4, saying it is the league’s responsibility to protect its rising star. He made it clear he did not approve of Wembanyama’s elbow on Naz Reid, but he said the young star must learn to defend himself if the league does not step in, calling the situation “disgusting.”
The Timberwolves went on to win Game 4, 114-109, tying the series at 2-2. With Game 5 ahead, Wembanyama is expected to once again face a highly physical defensive approach.
More NBA news:
-
Kevin Durant's fiery response leaves one fan regretting his retirement chatter
-
Luka Doncic couldn’t hide his anger over this one thing after crushing elimination loss
-
Insane trade idea swirls around Kevin Durant and multiple first-round picks
-
You need to see this photo of Victor Wembanyama's scratched up arm
-
Why Steve Kerr refuses to blame SGA for Warriors' free throw woes
-
Dallas Mavericks linked to back-injury-hit 18.2 PPG playmaker as No. 9 pick
