Wembanyama gets perfect chance to eclipse Jokic in Timberwolves showdown

Victor Wembanyama has strongly asserted himself in “best in the world” conversations this season for the Spurs. In some people’s minds, the world’s top hooper already resides in San Antonio, but Nikola Jokic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still largely hold the throne in the minds of the masses.

Now, though, Wemby has a prime opportunity to succeed where Jokic failed and bolster his case for BITW by dominating Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round.

Wembanyama could overtake Jokic with a dominant series vs. Minnesota

Wemby and the Spurs made easy work of the Portland Trail Blazers in Round One of the playoffs. The Alien averaged 21 points on 58/54/91 splits in just 28 minutes a game, giving Portland’s defense fits and punishing them for putting smaller wings like Toumani Camara and Kris Murray on him.

San Antonio’s MVP will face a tougher test in Minnesota. Rudy Gobert is arguably the best defender on the planet not named Victor Wembanyama, and he just proved it by slowing down Nikola Jokic for an entire series.

Gobert spent the majority of Minnesota’s six games against Denver directly matched up with Jokic, and he gave the Joker fits. Denver’s resident superstar shot just 44.6% from the field and 19.4% from three while turning it over 3.8 times per game. His raw averages of 25.8 points and 9.5 assists look awesome, but his impact was not felt nearly as much as it usually is. Gobert was the biggest reason for that.

Heading into this second-round matchup, Gobert will be looking to make Wembanyama’s life just as hard. If Wemby can win that individual matchup, it will not only go a long way for San Antonio’s chances of winning (which are already quite high), but it will also boost his reputation in a major way. And, given his track record, we all know he’ll be ready for that challenge.

Wemby has an advantage against Gobert that Jokic doesn’t

It’s no secret that Jokic isn’t the most gifted athlete by NBA standards. He’s not explosive or nimble. His game is built on his all-time great touch, finesse, and smarts. That works against most people, but it didn’t against Gobert.

The Stifle Tower stayed disciplined, banging Jokic off his spots and challenging without fouling. Jokic already struggles to create advantages against his man off the dribble, and he couldn’t do so at all against Gobert.

However, Gobert will be facing a whole different player in Wembanyama. His fellow Frenchman has real off-the-dribble game with an impressive first step for his size. Wemby should have an easier time maneuvering around Gobert than Jokic did, and if he can’t, he’ll be very comfortable taking and making shots over him.

If Wemby can cook Gobert, it’ll be the final stamp on his case for being better than Jokic. After that, he can turn his sights to the only other player in his way: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

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