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Knicks star Jalen Brunson’s Wemby drill that prepares him for David vs. Goliath matchup
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- Knicks star Jalen Brunson’s Wemby drill that prepares him for David vs. Goliath matchup
Knicks star Jalen Brunson's Wemby drill that prepares him for David vs. Goliath matchup appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
As the New York Knicks prepare for Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, a unique training drill has shed light on how star guard Jalen Brunson prepares for the challenge of facing Victor Wembanyama .
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NBA reporter Mark Medina revealed on Spectrum SportsNet Live that Brunson's longtime trainer, Dave Williams, incorporates a specific workout designed to simulate the defensive impact of the Spurs superstar.
The drill is fittingly called "The Wemby."
"I've talked with his trainer, Dave Williams… they do this drill that he calls the Wemby that he like holds this gigantic broom to try to block his shots so that improves his arch," Medina said.
"When he's going up against Wemby it's like a normal workout routine."
The exercise is designed to help Brunson create additional arc on his shot and finish over length, skills that become especially important against a defender like Wembanyama.
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Jalen Brunson's training prepares him for towering challenge of Victor Wembanyama
At 7-foot-4, Wembanyama presents one of the most difficult defensive matchups in basketball. Brunson, listed at 6-foot-2, gives up more than a foot in height to the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, creating a true David-versus-Goliath challenge whenever the two share the floor.
Wembanyama led the NBA in blocks during the regular season, averaging 3.1 per game and recording 197 total blocks across 64 appearances. He has been even more dominant as a rim protector during the playoffs.
Through 18 postseason games, Wembanyama has averaged 3.5 blocks and accumulated 63 total rejections, the highest total of any player in the playoffs.
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Despite the size disadvantage, Brunson found success in Game 1 of the Finals. The Knicks star scored a game-high 30 points while helping New York erase a 14-point deficit in a 105-95 victory at Frost Bank Center.
Brunson scored 13 points in the fourth quarter and repeatedly attacked the Spurs defense late in the game as New York stole home-court advantage in the series.
The Knicks now hold a 1-0 lead entering Game 2, but Wembanyama remains the centerpiece of San Antonio 's defensive game plan. If Brunson hopes to lead New York to its first championship since 1973, the "Wemby" drill may continue proving its value throughout the remainder of the Finals.
Related: Brian Windhorst sends Knicks' Jalen Brunson warning before Game 2
Related: Knicks' Jalen Brunson is outperforming Michael Jordan in 4th quarter playoff play
