Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs just learned a brutal lesson about how momentum changes at the brightly lit Madison Square Garden.
After a gritty 115-111 Game 3 victory on Monday, the Spurs looked ready to level the series in Game 4, but the Silver and Black collapsed spectacularly in the second half.
How NBA Fans Reacted to Victor Wembanyama’s Game 4 Press Conference
Despite a scorching 76-49 first-half performance, the Spurs could not maintain their 27-point lead.
The Knicks responded with a dominant 58-30 second half, supported by OG Anunoby’s clutch game-winning tip-in with just 1.2 seconds left that secured a thrilling 107-106 win.
Following the disappointing Game 4 defeat, the 22-year-old French phenom addressed the media. When questioned about the locker room atmosphere and his mindset, the 7-foot-4 superstar offered a raw confession.
“I don’t know about the emotions, but it was painful, of course,” said Wembanyama. “It feels like we are missing; we worked too hard and gave up our lead, you know, it’s just as simple as that. It’s just, it just hurts.”
Basketball fans took to social media following the two-time NBA All-Star’s statement and weighed in.
“He knows it’s over,” one user remarked.
He knows it’s over https://t.co/CPseya5lEc
— Reece (@DefaultReece) June 11, 2026
Another chimed in with some classic tough love, “You have to earn your stripes, it’s not handed out.”
A third user tweeted, “Pain (painful) is an emotion, garçon. Pack it up, Frenchie.”
A viral SpongeBob meme flooded the timeline alongside the comment, “I already know he’s gonna have nightmares about this.”
I already know he’s gonna have nightmares about this pic.twitter.com/APOxpu7uM0
— RareExoticBird (@RareExoticBirds) June 11, 2026
NBA Central, bringing back Jarrett Allen’s infamous quote from the 2023 playoffs, posted, “The lights were too bright. – Wemby on losing game 4.”
Some critics even went as far as questioning the Spurs’ star player, stating, “I don’t care that he’s only 22. This is a massive stain on Wemby’s legacy.”
I don’t care that he’s only 22. This is a massive stain on Wemby’s legacy
— jb (@lockedupjb) June 11, 2026
Wembanyama finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 44 minutes.
However, the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year struggled to convert from the field, shooting 9-of-25 (36.0%) and 2-of-8 (25.0%) from three.
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With the Knicks now leading 3-1, they are one win away from securing their first championship since 1973, while the upcoming games are do-or-die for the Spurs.
Jalen Brunson led the night in scoring with 36 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals while shooting 12-of-25 from the field, including 3-of-7 from deep.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks in rebounding with 10 rebounds and dropped 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field.
Both teams will head back to Texas for Game 5, scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at Frost Bank Center.
