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

BusinessSportsMoneyMagic Johnson Says Victor Wembanyama’s Defensive Tactics ‘Won’t Work’ Against The KnicksByAdam Zagoria,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I'm a basketball and tennis insiderFollow AuthorJun 01, 2026, 08:13am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.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)Getty ImagesVictor 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...