​The NBA Finals are officially underway, but for San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama, Game 1 was a harsh reality check. Despite posting a respectable stat line of 26 points and 12 rebounds, the 22-year-old phenom faced an onslaught of criticism from NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal following the Spurs’ 105-95 loss to the New York Knicks.

​The “Inefficiency” Problem

​Shaq didn’t mince words on Inside The NBA, calling out Wembanyama’s shot selection and lack of interior presence. “6-for-21 is not going to get it done,” Shaq stated bluntly. While Wembanyama’s 26 points look good on a box score, the efficiency was abysmal. He struggled significantly against a physical Knicks defense, shooting just 6-of-21 from the field and committing six turnovers.

​Perhaps most alarming was the “backboard blunder” sequence, where Wembanyama missed a layup and a three-pointer by hitting the side and top of the backboard in the span of just 12 seconds. It was a bizarre stretch that highlighted just how uncomfortable the Knicks’ aggressive, physical defensive scheme—anchored by a surprise defensive masterclass from Karl-Anthony Towns—had made him.

​Why the Knicks Are Winning the Tactical Battle

​The Knicks’ game plan was simple but effective: neutralize the league’s most unique talent by pushing him as far from the rim as possible. By using physical help defense and aggressive pressure, New York successfully baited Wembanyama into settling for perimeter jumpers rather than attacking the basket.

​The stats tell the story of a tactical trap:

• ​The Three-Point Reliance: Wembanyama launched nine shots from beyond the arc while taking only six field goals inside the arc. This was exactly what New York wanted.
• ​The Towns Factor: When guarded directly by Karl-Anthony Towns, Wembanyama shot a dismal 2-of-12.
• ​Free-Throw Dependence: A massive chunk of his 26 points came from the charity stripe (12-of-13), proving that when the rhythm of his jumper failed, he had few answers in the paint.

​The “Mental Adjustment” Required for Game 2

​Shaq’s advice for the young star is clear: stop settling. For San Antonio to even the series before heading to the hostile environment of Madison Square Garden, they need a major pivot. The Spurs must force the ball inside, challenge the Knicks’ rim protectors directly, and stop playing into New York’s hands by hovering around the perimeter.

​While Wembanyama has had a historic playoff run—averaging over 23 points and 3 blocks per game—the Finals are a different beast. The question now is whether the young superstar can make the necessary “mental adjustments” that Shaq is demanding. If he continues to take the bait and shoot from deep, the Spurs are staring down a 0-2 deficit that could very well end their championship dreams.