Victor Wembanyama responded to the Game 2 setback with his Game 3 performance, leading the San Antonio Spurs to an incredible 115-111 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Just three nights after the lowest point of his young postseason run, Wembanyama delivered the kind of response that often separates promising talent from elite players.
Victor Wembanyama Rejects Knicks ‘Villain’ Label After Game 3 Win
In Game 3, the Knicks entered with home-court advantage, carrying momentum and looking to put San Antonio in a 0-3 hole.
However, with Wembanyama on the floor, the series was far from over. He delivered an impressive performance on Monday and reinforced his rising reputation as a two-way force, finishing with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.
After the game, the Frenchman, who is quickly becoming a polarizing figure among New York fans, addressed the growing narrative that he is a Knicks “villain.”
“I’m nowhere near Trae Young level though,” Wembanyama said.
“I’m nowhere near Trae Young level though.” 😂
Wemby on being New York’s newest villain. pic.twitter.com/rq5IHYPZ9R
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 9, 2026
The reference taps into one of the NBA’s most well-known modern rivalries, as Trae Young and the Knicks have shared a heated history since their 2021 playoff matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.
It is a feud that even spilled into a memorable WWE SmackDown appearance at Madison Square Garden.
As for Wembanyama, he may be on track to eclipse that level of attention soon, possibly as early as Game 4.
Though he hasn’t directly engaged in any hostility with Knicks fans yet, Wembanyama’s Game 3 performance alone was enough to fuel frustration in New York as San Antonio snapped their 13-game playoff win streak.
The 22-year-old became the second-youngest player in league history to post at least 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a Finals game, trailing only Magic Johnson.
Wembanyama also finally managed to get the better of Karl-Anthony Towns, who had troubled him in the first two games.
“I really tried to relax,” Wembanyama said. “The playoffs it’s like a whirlwind. It’s hard to put your head out of the water, and sometimes it’s like I don’t even (have) to watch the game back, by the way. I just need a little time off, let my brain cool down and recover.”
As per OptaStats, Wemby has totaled 85 points and 10 blocks over his first three Finals appearances, a production not seen since Shaquille O’Neal’s 2001 Finals run over a similar stretch.
Wembanyama is now averaging 29 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 3.3 blocks, and 1.7 steals in the series.
Monday night’s victory has injected new life into this Spurs side, and New York will be looking to bounce back to prevent San Antonio from leveling the series on Wednesday.
