‘He Can Be Guarding Someone And Still Block A Jump Shot’: Anthony Davis Reveals What Makes Victor Wembanyama Unique
Few players have earned Anthony Davis’ respect as quickly as Victor Wembanyama did Wednesday night. The San Antonio Spurs star delivered a stunning season-opening performance that left even the Dallas Mavericks’ All-Star big man acknowledging how rare a matchup the 7-foot-4 forward presents.
Davis, who finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds in the Mavericks’ 125-92 loss, said Wembanyama’s reach and instincts turn routine looks into challenges that few other players can replicate.
“Defensively, you’ve got to account for him,” Davis said. “He can be guarding someone and still block a jump shot. He’s always coming to change shots.”
Victor Wembanyama Presents a Unique Defensive Puzzle
Wembanyama’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet. Every drive toward the basket seemed to bend around his wingspan, forcing Dallas into hurried floaters and midrange attempts. The Mavericks were held to just 37.3% shooting from the field and outscored 68-26 in the paint, unable to generate consistent pressure inside.
“Offensively, he can handle,” Davis said. “At 7 – whatever he wants to be listed at – (he has) the ability to play plenty minutes at point center, point forward, point guard. His skill set is set, so he causes a problem on the offensive end as well as the defensive end. That’s why he is special.”
Lessons Learned From a Unique Talent
For Cooper Flagg, the night carried its own perspective. Making his NBA debut against Wembanyama, the 18-year-old rookie found himself alternating between awe and adjustment.
“It’s tough,” Flagg said. “You can do everything right defensively, and he still finds a way to score. That’s what makes him special. But it also shows what I need to work on — staying strong, making quick reads, and not letting one play affect the next one.”
Despite the lopsided score, Jason Kidd said the game served as an early education for his young roster, particularly Flagg, in understanding the level of consistency required to compete against the league’s elite.
“There are stars in this league that can flat-out score,” Kidd said. “You’ve got to be able to protect each other, and we have to be better with that. Being able to take the ball out of his hands and make someone else score — that’s what great teams do. It’s a learning moment for us.”
Anthony Davis Shares Respect
As dominant as Wembanyama was, Davis said the matchup reminded him of the evolution of big men in today’s NBA — where shot-blockers can also stretch the floor and initiate offense.
“He’s tall, long, athletic — you’ve got to be ready for him on every play,” Davis said. “He’s going to be great for a long time.”
The Mavericks will look to bounce back Friday night when they host the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Center. For Davis and Flagg, the opener against San Antonio wasn’t just a defeat — it was a blueprint for what it takes to compete with the next generation of basketball’s rarest talents.
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