Houston Rockets Coach Ime Udoka Reveals Defensive Plan for San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama
The Houston Rockets got two chances to face the San Antonio Spurs in the preseason, and in the process, found a sneak preview from what the team can expect from No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama.
Standing 7-4 and able to do things no man that size should, Wembanyama poses a unique defensive challenge for anyone in his path. But coach Ime Udoka has a plan for when the Rockets see Wemby during the regular season.
"We kinda got up under him. We wanted to take away his space on the post-ups. He wants to settle for that face-up jump shot or fade away. So we used our strength to push him out," Udoka said after Wednesday's preseason game against the Spurs.
"He's gonna make some plays here and there. But I feel comfortable with all of our smaller wings kinda climbing up under him and pushing him off the spot. Obviously, it's going to be a tough contest but you can be physical with him. I think everybody got a little bit of a piece of him."
San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama
Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Wembanyama was held to 3 of 10 shooting from the floor but managed to score 15 points with seven makes from the free throw line.
It's clear that when the Rockets play the Spurs, Wembanyama will have to earn everything he can get.
The Rockets won't have to wait too long for the next meeting between the two teams. Houston visits San Antonio on Friday at Frost Bank Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
