Victor Wembanyama is a different specimen. There’s a reason he’s called The Alien. To be able to contain, you have to put everything on him. That’s what the Minnesota Timberwolves did and somehow, they got a narrow win against the French star and the San Antonio Spurs.
De’Aaron Fox acknowledged the gift that Wemby has and based on his observation, even the referees know his advantages and so, they are officiating him differently.
“I think [Wembanyama] was great for us, getting to the free throw line, finding ways to be efficient. People are trying to be physical with him,” Fox said after the Sunday loss.
“He’s still being extremely effective. I think he’s officiated a little differently. They let people get away with a little more physical play with him. But that’s for him to navigate and figure out how to attack that.”
Victor Wembanyama 29 PTS, 7 REB, 3 STL, 3/9 3PT, 10/10 FT, 1 TOs, 65% TS on 8/18 FG vs Timberwolves https://t.co/wuqgUG2T0a pic.twitter.com/DNQhaMpdSd
— NBA Performances (@NBARewinds) January 12, 2026
Victor Wembanyama and how he was guarded
Wembanyama finished with 29 points and 7 rebounds and went to free throw line 10 times. He made all those free shots.
Some people agree with Fox, That the Spurs star is getting physical defense.
The @NBAOfficial needs to figure out how to officiate Wemby. They can’t allow a guy like Randle to just hit him, elbow him, hold him, then push him from underneath when he gets the ball. He physically pushes him with all his strength. They fouled Wemby four times every possession…
— DartFred (@DartFred) January 12, 2026
There were particular plays that could have landed him and the Spurs in a world of hurt.
FULL MOMENT: Rudy Gobert flagrant 1 foul on Victor Wembanyama almost injures him then bumps ref and gets tech pic.twitter.com/thNaM6P92K
— NBAbzy (@nbabzyy) January 12, 2026
The most egregious thing imo, and it’s been it, is Randle literally throwing his elbow at Wemby’s head, and nothing then Wemby getting the foul for touching his arm 😂
— Eric (@EB21122) January 12, 2026
No foul for Randle bumping Wemby out of bounds I’m so sure refs
— Irrational Spurs Fan (@2kAgain) January 12, 2026
These refs allowed criminal defense on Wemby that isn’t physicality that’s just fouling wtf lol
— Kingkasii (@kingkasii100) January 12, 2026
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
