Magic Johnson Says Victor Wembanyama’s Defensive Tactics ‘Won’t Work’ Against The Knicks

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 20: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks a shot from Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 20, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

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Victor Wembanyama recorded 13 blocks against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the Western Conference Finals, but Hall of Famer Magic Johnson says his defensive tactics won’t work against the Knicks in the NBA Finals.

The Spurs employed a zone against the Thunder, allowing Wembanyama to hunker down in the paint and block and alter shots. But because Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns and wing OG Anunoby (among others) can stretch the defense with their 3-point shooting, the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama will have to adjust and defend on the perimeter.

“Victor Wembanyama dominated the paint on defense during the Series against OKC while playing in a zone, but that won’t work against the Knicks given the 3-point shooting ability of Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby,” Johnson posted on X/Twitter.

According to StatMuse, Wembanyama’s dominant defensive performance against the defending champion Thunder put him in elite company, as only Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon had previously accumulated 175+ points and 15+ blocks in a Conference Finals series.

But Thunder big man Isaiah Hartenstein is not an outside shooting threat and Chet Holmgreen seemed to disappear in the conference finals.

Towns, meantime, has made 20 threes on 49% shooting from deep in these playoffs. Anunoby has made 18 threes in the postseason.

“The Knicks have one thing that nobody else have,” former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins said on SportsCenter. “The Knicks have Karl-Anthony Towns, an offensive threat that could pull Wemby away from the basket, which is going to open up so many other areas offensively for the New York Knicks.

“And so when I look at how the Knicks are jelling in this postseason, playing agenda-free basketball, doing all the little things, losing themselves in the team, the Spurs got their work cut out for them.

“I’m not saying that it’s not gonna go the distance, but right now I’m leaning more towards the Knicks winning this series in seven [games], to be honest with you.”

Game 1 is Wednesday night in San Antonio.