How Wembanyama Is Key To Killing The Knicks’ Streak

It’s fair to say that nobody expected the New York Knicks to be in this position. From 3rd in the Eastern Conference, the team has found a whole new gear in the postseason. After going 12-2 across the opening rounds, including a pair of 4-0 sweeps against the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers, the Knicks are taking part in the NBA Finals.

To be crowned champions, there’s one more test left. Standing in their way are the San Antonio Spurs, powered by NBA Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama.

Despite the Knicks’ postseason dominance, the Spurs started the series as slight favorites in the NBA odds collected by Action Network. Whether it stays that way will boil down to if the Knicks can nullify Wembanyama, or whether the giant Frenchman can impose himself on the series.

Knicks explode into the postseason

The internet would say that the Knicks’ postseason form comes from WWE superstar Danhausen. Since cursing then un-cursing the team, they’ve gone on an 11 game undefeated streak. There are more scientific reasons than viral videos, though.

Coach Mike Brown deserves a lot of the credit. He’s added a new offensive dimension to the Knicks, and is much more willing to tweak his tactics to target opponents weak spots. Center Karl-Anthony Towns has been a major benefactor of Brown’s guidance too, making much more sensible choices with the ball and turning into an elite playmaker.

This has taken the pressure off Jalen Brunson, who is seeing the ball less than in previous years. He’s been on the ball for just 45.2% of possessions this season, down from 48.5% last year. This is far from a negative, as it’s leaving him fresher in games later, allowing him to help the Knicks right to the buzzer.

Another major factor is the Knicks’ three point shooting in the playoffs. They’re one of only two teams in history to have six players shooting above 40% from 15+ attempts. The offense is flying, which is why Wembanyama will be so key for the Spurs.

Wembanyama question that the Knicks have yet to fully answer

It is easy to look at the three regular season meetings between the Knicks and Spurs and say that New York will have the advantage. The Knicks won two, including a 114-89 blowout in March, and only lost by two in a 134-132 matchup on New Year’s Eve.

The heart of the Spurs, though, is Victor Wembanyama, and in all three games he was compromised.

The first matchup in December was Wemanyama’s first game back from a calf injury. The Spurs held him to just 25 minutes action, severely hampering his impact on the game. An injury affected him in the second meeting too, with Wembanyama limping off after 25 minutes.

While Wembayama was fit for the March blowout loss, posting 25 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks, the Spurs team around him was lacking depth. Not even a player of his stature can beat the Knicks single-handed.

As the NBA Finals progress, the Knicks’ battle against a fully fit Wembanyama with a complete supporting cast will decide the series.

His defensive contributions are unrivalled, with Wembanyama leading the league with 3.1 blocks per game. With him on the court, the Spurs give up 103.6 points per 100 possessions. Without him, this jumps to 113.7.

His scoring record is scary too, averaging 27.3 points per game in the Western Conference Finals. He’ll also open up opportunities for his teammates as Karl-Anthony Towns is pulled out of position to cover him.

It won’t matter too much if the Knicks or Spurs pull out to an early lead during the NBA Finals, as that doesn’t change the fundamental dynamic of the series. Whoever walks away as NBA champions will be the one who best handles Wembanyama, and how they adapt over the course of the series.

Either it will be the Spurs, using him to disrupt the Knicks’ offense. Or, the Knicks will find a way to limit Wembanyama’s scoring. Whoever figures it out first will be the ones to end the season as champions.