How to defend against Wembanyama? Randle provides a reference answer.

Looking back at yesterday’s Spurs vs. Celtics game, Wembanyama nailed two vital mid-range jumpers in the last two minutes. At 2.26 meters tall with a 2.44-meter wingspan, making those shots under pressure is almost unbeatable.

If Wembanyama is allowed to finish his entire shooting routine, hardly anyone in this league can disrupt his shot. Therefore, the key to defending him lies in applying enough pressure before he even catches the ball or begins his shooting motion.

In those two possessions, the Celtics made it too easy for Wembanyama to receive the ball. From his low-post catch to dribbling and shooting, the defenders offered minimal resistance, allowing him to operate comfortably. To limit Wembanyama, the first step is to increase defensive intensity against him.

Turning to today’s game, the Timberwolves started with a 0-16 hole and trailed by as much as 19 points, but they showed great resilience, twice closing the gap and eventually completing a comeback win. Both Huazi and Randle struggled with their shooting, but Divin and Reed stepped up during the comeback phase.

Wembanyama completely dominated his fellow countryman Gobert today, scoring 24 points in three quarters while Gobert managed only 2 points all game. In a narrow 1-point loss, Wembanyama’s plus-minus was an impressive +17, whereas Gobert’s was -14. Facing a younger, taller, and quicker opponent, Gobert was thoroughly outmatched.

In the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves stopped having Gobert guard Wembanyama and instead deployed their secret weapon: Randle. Throughout the entire quarter, Wembanyama went 0-for-4 from the field, scoring only 5 points from free throws, visibly frustrated.

How did Randle defend Wembanyama? By applying constant physical pressure, denying him comfortable catches, and even nudging him with his strong upper body before Wembanyama could even receive the ball or initiate a move.

There was a possession where Wembanyama posted up inside the paint, but Randle physically pushed him all the way out to the three-point line, preventing him from receiving the ball. Although Randle displaced Wembanyama’s position significantly, all his contact stayed within legal limits—using upper body strength without pushing with hands or feet.

In another play, Randle forced Wembanyama toward the sideline, causing him to fall out of bounds. The referee called a Spurs turnover instead of a foul.

One particularly interesting moment showed Gobert sitting on the bench watching Randle guard Wembanyama. Their eyes met as if Randle was silently saying, “Watch closely, this is how you defend this kid—I’m only teaching you once.”

Another clip showed Wembanyama standing next to Randle, who was sizing him up with a calculating look, seemingly planning where to apply pressure. Randle thrives on physicality, earning the nickname “The Bull.” Putting him on Wembanyama to apply toughness actually puts Randle in his comfort zone.

Randle not only brought physicality on defense but also attacked offensively, drawing fouls from Wembanyama. Though not as fast or tall as Wembanyama, Randle’s strength forced Wembanyama into fouling. In the fourth quarter, Randle scored a crucial 7 points through dunks and free throws.

In the decisive moments, with Wembanyama locked down by Randle, Huazi regained his shooting touch and scored repeatedly, with Fox being the only Spur to respond. In the final two possessions, Huazi scored a floater over Wembanyama. When Wembanyama received the ball, Randle immediately contested, using his lower body to hold position and applying contact without committing a blocking foul, forcing Wembanyama into a jump shot that missed, sealing the game.

Early in the season, the Suns defended Wembanyama with physicality plus double-teams. Today, Randle demonstrated how to guard Wembanyama one-on-one, offering other teams a blueprint. Of course, this requires having a strong, physically imposing interior player like Randle who is also smart enough to read the referees’ calls.

The Thunder players are supposed to defend with intensity, but their roster lacks a defender with Randle’s size and strength. The smaller guards can’t disrupt Wembanyama enough and struggle to control contact without drawing fouls.

This is just the regular season. For Wembanyama, who has yet to play a playoff or play-in game, the defensive pressure will only increase as competition intensifies. Consider today’s game as Wembanyama’s early tuition fee paid to Randle.