
Already, Victor Webanyama has been a thorn in the side of the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Monday, Webanyama recorded a historic 12 blocks, even though the Timberwolves won 104-102.
Although head coach Chris Finch and Rudy Gobert contend that a handful of blocks were goaltending.
Nevertheless, Charles Barkley threw Minnesota a bone for having the wherewithal to take on the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama in the paint, per NBA on ESPN.
“If somebody blocked my damn shot 12 times, I’m not sure I’m gonna keep going in there,” Barkley said.
"If somebody blocked my damn shot 12 times, I'm not sure I'm gonna keep going in there."
Chuck gives the Timberwolves credit for continuing to drive in the lane pic.twitter.com/jxmzEPQRHS
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 6, 2026
During Game 1, the Timberwolves made it a strategic point to attack the paint constantly, all in an effort to tire him out. In the process, they kicked the ball out of bounds routinely beyond the arc and pushed the ball in transition before Wembanyama could get back.
As a result, the Timberwolves held the edge in scoring percentage at 45.6% and shot 41 for 90 from the field. On the contrary, the Spurs shot 44.8% and were 44/98 from the field.
The Timberwolves ran away with 3-pointers, shooting 38.5% and going 10 for 26. On the flip side, the Spurs were 27.8% from the 3-point line, going 10-for-36.
Game 2 of the series is on Wednesday at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. It’s safe to say the Timberwolves will use the same strategy to try to wear out Wembanyama. Additionally, they will make it a focal point to contain De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle at the 3-point line to keep the score as low as possible.
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