Shaquille O’Neal is known for being direct when evaluating elite NBA talent, and the Hall of Famer has a bone to pick with franchise cornerstone Victor Wembanyama. Following the San Antonio Spurs’ heartbreaking 104-105 Game 2 defeat to the New York Knicks at the Frost Bank Center on Friday Night, the former unanimous 2023-24 ROTY reflected.
While addressing the media, the French phenom described himself as “very blurry.” He noted, “I need to have more poise. More control over the game.” However, this admission did not sit well with the Big Aristotle and has earned criticism from the 3-time Finals MVP.
Shaquille O’Neal Criticizes Victor Wembanyama’s Post-Game Comment
On the latest episode of ESPN’s Inside the NBA, Shaq responded to Victor Wembanyama’s choice of words during the post-game press conference following the Spurs vs Knicks Game 2. He emphasized that a franchise anchor should never exhibit such confusion or lack of focus in front of an opponent.
“As the leader, you should probably say, ‘It’s on me.’ Don’t say things are blurry. If I’m anybody on the NYK, I’m coming at his head. That sounds like he’s flustered. But you can’t be flustered. I know you are down 2-0,” he said.
But listen, as that guy on that team, you just gotta step up. But you don’t say things ‘got blurry.’ I don’t wanna hear that. Say, ‘my bad. The last two possessions, I didn’t play well.’ Don’t say blurry. Hell nah,” stated Shaq.
Shaq calls out Wemby for saying ‘things got blurry’ in his post game interview:
“As the leader you should probably say ‘it’s on me.’ Don’t say things are blurry. If I’m anybody on the NYK, I’m coming at his head. That sounds like he’s flustered. As that guy on that team, you… https://t.co/HGy67wt0YL pic.twitter.com/RoW6eqrYVM
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) June 6, 2026
Wembanyama’s self-critique comes despite his strong performance. He led the Spurs with 29 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 steals, shooting 11-for-21 (52.4%) and 2-for-6 from three (33.3%). Over the last two games, he has averaged 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks while shooting 62.1% against the Knicks.
“I threw that one away. I messed up,” Wembanyama told the media. “We didn’t play great as a team. We needed to win that game. This game was ours. But at this point, it’s done. Am I going to regret it? Yes, of course. Am I going to use that to fuel me and to fuel us next game? Absolutely.”
With the New York Knicks now holding a commanding 2-0 lead in the 2026 NBA Finals, the Spurs’ locker room environment is heavy, and they know they are in big trouble. Although Game 2 was tightly contested, the Knicks have seized momentum, making it clear that regaining control will be a significant challenge.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year now seems determined to convert his regrets into direct competitive fuel for Game 3, scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York.
