Charles Barkley Schools Critics Flaming OKC’s Physicality On Victor Wembanyama: “I’ve Been Kissed Harder”

Isaiah Hartenstein and his teammates did a stellar job slowing down Victor Wembanyama in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

Charles Barkley Schools Critics Flaming OKC’s Physicality On Victor Wembanyama: “I’ve Been Kissed Harder”

Victor Wembanyama and Charles Barkley (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Victor Wembanyama struggled in Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder after a strong Game 1 performance.
  • Charles Barkley defended the Thunder's physicality, stating it was not excessive and comparing it to being "kissed harder."
  • Kenyon Martin Sr. warned Isaiah Hartenstein about crossing the line into dirty play while defending Wembanyama.

Victor Wembanyama could not repeat his Game 1 heroics in the second game against the Oklahoma City Thunder after Isaiah Hartenstein and his teammates made it difficult for the Frenchman.

In the first battle after teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lifted his second regular-season MVP trophy, the San Antonio Spurs superstar went ballistic.

He could not be stopped despite the Thunder sending almost everyone to try to slow him down. It was clear that he was on a mission, but for a team as good defensively as the reigning champions, it was an embarrassment.

Most of the finger-pointing happened to Chet Holmgren, who seemingly ducked the task of stopping Victor Wembanyama. However, some pointed out that it may have been head coach Mike Daigneault’s game plan.

That plan received further proof when Holmgren again avoided his rival for most of Game 2. Instead, it was Hartenstein, along with the others, who managed to limit the 7’4″ center. However, some felt that OKC were extremely physical while doing so.

I watched the whole game… You people at home and TV talking about they were physical with Wemby, man, y’all need to stop it. I’ve been kissed harder… For you people thinking that’s physicality, y’all need to shut the hell up.

Charles Barkley said on Inside the NBA

The Hall of Famer reiterated that Isaiah Hartenstein was using his body to limit Wembanyama’s mobility inside the paint. But in no way can it be labeled as ‘excessive physicality.’ Charles Barkley added that the Thunder center did not do anything that could be labeled as being too much.

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Former No. 1 overall pick warns Isaiah Hartenstein over physicality on Victor Wembanyama

While Barkley made it clear that Hartenstein was not excessively physical with Victor Wembanyama, another former player believes the Thunder center is treading a fine line.

It’s borderline dirty. You don’t want to go dirty… I go back to what we told Dahntay Jones about Kobe. This fool went and pushed him (Bryant) in his back. We didn’t tell you to do that… There’s a fine line in that.

Kenyon Martin Sr. said on Gil’s Arena

Martin Sr. ended up warning the American-German, that there could be times when a certain push or a shove goes way past what is allowed. The former No. 1 overall pick pointed out that the 28-year-old is treading it and should be careful.

Otherwise, if one play is labeled as dirty, it could change how officials view his other actions. The Spurs will be looking to capitalize on such an instance, and it is up to Hartenstein to make sure he does not go overboard while trying to slow down Wembanyama.

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Victor Wembanyama will be looking for revenge against OKC in Game 3

After his stellar Game 1 performance, many were about to hail Victor Wembanyama as the most dominant player since Michael Jordan. They might want to revisit those thoughts after watching Game 2.

Victor Wembanyama being defended by Isaiah Hartenstein
Victor Wembanyama being defended by Isaiah Hartenstein (Image via L’Equipe/X)

The 22-year-old did not struggle, but could not impact the game the way he would have wanted to. That could explain why he was visibly upset at the post-game press conference.

Now that the series heads to San Antonio, the one thing the lanky center can be assured of is the support their die-hard fans will provide. Once he uses that to his advantage, expect the reigning Defensive Player of the Year to exact his revenge.

Wembanyama knows all too well that losing either one of the next two games at home will hand the Thunder a theoretical advantage. He should be focused on returning to his Game 1 self if he wants to avoid that.

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