NBA Assistants Back Spurs in 5 or 6, Targeting Brunson and Wembanyama Matchups
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 2
NBA Assistants Back Spurs in 5 or 6, Targeting Brunson and Wembanyama Matchups
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 2
Three NBA assistant coaches picked San Antonio to win the Finals in five or six games, with one calling Game 1 pivotal after New York’s long layoff.
OG Anunoby and Josh Hart were cited as the Knicks’ best options on Victor Wembanyama, with all three coaches stressing early physicality, wing strength and keeping bigger rebounders behind the play.
San Antonio’s plan for Jalen Brunson centers on ball pressure and funneling drives toward 7-foot-4 Wembanyama, while mixing coverages similar to those used against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Matchup swing factors include Mikal Bridges creating when defenses load up on Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns punishing smaller defenders, and De’Aaron Fox’s ankle if the series tightens.
Referee tolerance for contact could shape the series, the coaches said, because New York’s best path is a bruising, turnover-forcing style that disrupts Wembanyama before he gets comfortable.