Historic Or Lucky? Wemby’s 12 Blocks Spark Debate Over Goaltending No-Calls

Last Updated:May 06, 2026, 08:10 IST

Victor Wembanyama’s record 12-block night stuns the NBA, but Timberwolves coach Chris Finch claims several should’ve been ruled goaltending, sparking debate.

It wasn’t the best of shooting nights for Victor Wembanyama last night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. But that didn’t hinder the 2025/26 Defensive Player of the Year from being… well, just that.

The San Antonio Spurs star turned the paint into a no-fly zone, racking up a jaw-dropping 12 blocks — setting a new postseason record.

On paper, it was a historic defensive masterclass. But not everyone was convinced it was entirely clean.

Finch Accuses Wemby Of Goaltending

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch wasn’t buying into the hype without raising a few eyebrows.

Speaking after the game, Finch claimed that several of Wembanyama’s blocks may have crossed into illegal territory.

“Obviously, he had a historic night, but when we looked at them, at least four of them were goaltending, maybe even a fifth," Finch said.

“To me, it’s a little alarming that none of them were called. Here’s a generational shot blocker who’s seven-foot-six, who goes after everything, and there’s no heightened awareness that these blocks could be goaltends?"

For context, NBA rules prohibit defenders from touching the ball once it’s on a downward path toward the rim or after it has hit the backboard. That in essence constitutes a goaltend.

The problem? This criterion makes borderline calls tricky, especially when dealing with a player of Wembanyama’s size and reach.

Yet, Finch didn’t hold back.

“I mean, the third possession of the game was a goaltend, and it was a clean, obvious one," he added.

“So let’s just say there were four. That’s eight points. You know the value of eight points in an NBA game? It is massive."

A Debate Bigger Than One Game

Despite his frustration, Finch admitted there’s little point in escalating the matter.

“It’s kind of a bit of a waste of time because it doesn’t really change the outcomes," he said. “Again, it’s just alarming that not a single one of them was called… I think they’re pretty obvious when you look at them."

But Finch’s outburst raises a legitimate question: how do officials fairly judge a once-in-a-generation defender like Wembanyama in real time?

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