Victor Wembanyama’s Brilliant Defensive Play Left Announcer Dumbfounded

Wembanyama showcased why scoring against him at the rim is no easy task.

It hasn’t taken long for San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama to emerge as one of the league’s premier rim protectors. 

Averaging a league-best 3.1 blocks per game, the 20-year-old has proven incredibly difficult to score against on the interior, and he provided a perfect example of what makes him such a unique post defender during Monday’s showdown against the Washington Wizards.

Wizards center Daniel Gafford attempted to take a close range shot against Wembanyama from under the rim, but had his shot denied by the Frenchman in a defensive highlight that left the game’s announcer perplexed as to whether it would be registered as a block or a steal.

Wembanyama blocked Gafford’s shot with his left hand before snatching it out of midair, prompting the commentator to ask, “How do you score that? Is that a block or a steal?” 

This is getting ridiculous Wemby 🤣 (via @NBA_Philippines, h/t @TheHoopCentral)

pic.twitter.com/a2IZowN0ej

— Overtime (@overtime) January 30, 2024

Despite Gafford trying to float the ball up over Wembanyama’s outstretched arms, the rookie was still able to reach up and get a hand on it, using all of his near 8-foot wingspan to secure the block.

Players on Washington’s bench could be seen shaking their heads in disbelief after Wembanyama snatched the shot out of midair, coming away with a truly unique block.