Victor Wembanyama is Dominating-But Alex Caruso Just Pointed Out the Blueprint to Slow Him Down
Victor Wembanyama has been nothing short of electric in his third NBA season. The 7-foot-5 unicorn is averaging 24.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game-numbers that would be eye-popping for any player, let alone a 22-year-old still carving out his place in the league. He’s the centerpiece of a San Antonio Spurs team that’s turned some heads this season, surprising many with their competitiveness and flashes of brilliance.
But even generational talents have learning curves. And on Tuesday night, in a 119-98 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Wembanyama ran into a defensive buzzsaw in the form of Alex Caruso.
Caruso, a two-time All-Defensive Team selection and one of the league’s most cerebral perimeter stoppers, didn’t just make life tough for Wemby-he gave the rest of the NBA a detailed scouting report on how to do the same.
“Offensively, he’s still really raw,” Caruso told reporters postgame. “His length is an issue, but he’s not as strong as a Giannis, like a Jokic, Sengun, KD even… That’s something you have to use to your advantage.”
It’s rare to hear such a candid breakdown of a star player’s weaknesses, especially one with Wembanyama’s upside. But Caruso wasn’t throwing shade-he was offering insight. And he made it clear: Wemby’s size is a problem, but his game still has areas ripe for exploitation.
“He’s influenceable with certain spots where he catches it and how he has his footwork,” Caruso explained. Translation: if you can disrupt Wembanyama before he gets into his comfort zone-whether it’s on the block, the elbow, or the top of the key-you’ve got a shot at neutralizing him.
Caruso added that the key is “getting to your spot and holding strong.” That’s classic defensive fundamentals, but it takes on new meaning when you’re dealing with someone who can shoot over just about anyone and cover half the court in two strides.
“If he gets too close, he’s going to score, because he’s just taller and has more length,” Caruso said. “I don’t ever worry about him blowing by me on a closeout.”
That last line is telling. Wembanyama’s not a burner with the ball-he’s not going to shake defenders with lightning-quick first steps like Ja Morant or De’Aaron Fox.
His game is about angles, timing, and overwhelming physical tools. But if defenders can body him up early in possessions and force him into uncomfortable spots, they can at least make him work for his points.
None of this is to say Wemby isn’t already a nightmare to guard-he absolutely is. But Caruso’s comments shine a light on how the league’s best defenders are thinking about him. They’re not just in awe of his highlights-they’re studying his tendencies, looking for cracks in the armor.
And in the bigger picture, this budding rivalry between the Spurs and Thunder is starting to feel like something special. With Wembanyama anchoring San Antonio and OKC’s young core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren continuing to rise, we could be watching the foundation of a Western Conference clash that defines the next decade.
For now, Wemby remains one of the most fascinating players in the league-already dominant, but still developing. And if Caruso’s right, the next step in his evolution isn’t about adding more flash. It’s about adding more force.