Victor Wembanyama and his battle scars: the price of Spurs domination
Jan 28, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) and center Alperen Sengun (28) defend against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
With a smirk, Victor Wembanyama wanted to show his battle scars after the San Antonio Spurs victory over the Houston Rockets (111-99). The Frenchman pulled down his shorts and compression layers to reveal a large gash on his thigh, tugged at his collar to unveil fresh scratches on his chest, and showed his left arm covered in red cuts.
« Eventually, I’m going to run out of places on my body for scars, » Wembanyama told « Inside the NBA » after the game. « But the rest of my body, my joints, my muscles, they’re fine. »
The price of domination and Mitch Johnson’s demands
These marks are the price to pay for earning 15 free throws, blocking five shots and delivering a dominant fourth quarter. They also testify to the team’s response to coach Mitch Johnson’s demands, who had spent the first half yelling at his players to play harder.
« I yelled at halftime, and they yelled at each other, » Johnson explained, his voice hoarse. « We know how teams want to play against us, and this team (Houston) plays that way anyway. We knew it would be a physical game, and if we didn’t match it, we were going to get pushed around. »
Johnson’s tactical adjustment, placing Wembanyama on Amen Thompson, allowed the Spurs to dominate the second quarter 46 to 23. One sequence perfectly symbolizes Wembanyama’s mindset: on a quickly whistled loose ball, while the nine other players relaxed, the Frenchman dove anyway to secure possession in case of a challenge.
Let’s be honest, the word is out, if you want to slow down Victor Wembanyana, get physical. Opponents are pushing, grabbing, scratching, doing whatever it takes. He’s getting the superstar treatment in the wrong direction. The refs aren’t helping him. pic.twitter.com/SEPJ7Tr09w
— SpursR͏EPORT͏ER (@SpursReporter) January 29, 2026
Historic statistics that impress David Robinson
With 28 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks, Wembanyama recorded his sixth game of the season with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks. The rest of the league only has four. In 150 NBA games, only Spurs legend David Robinson has managed to compile as many points, rebounds and blocks in history.
« I try to do things on the court that nobody does, so I have to work in a way that nobody does, » Wembanyama stated. The goal is clear: « To have, every night, this level of dedication. »
Stephon Castle’s defense on players like Alperen Şengün and Kevin Durant allowed Wembanyama to camp in the paint and erase everything the Rockets attempted near the basket. « That’s his job. He can shut guys down, and he did it, » Wembanyama praised about his 2024-2025 rookie of the year teammate.
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