San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama has received some criticism throughout the 2026 NBA Finals, as the Spurs are trailing the New York Knicks 3-1 in the series. He received some heat after the Spurs’ epic collapse in Game 4 when they blew a 29-point lead and lost to the Knicks 107-106 at Madison Square Garden.
However, he is also getting criticized for his antics during the national anthem, including skipping it altogether over the last two games. Now, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson is weighing in.
Spurs HC Mitch Johnson Offers Thoughts on Victor Wembanyama Skipping the National Anthem
Prior to Game 1, Wembanyama crossed his arms during the national anthem. Prior to Game 2, he prayed and closed his eyes. Then, before Games 3 and 4, Wembanyama was nowhere to be found during the anthem. To be clear, Wembanyama has not said that this is a political protest or statement, but there are some pundits and fans who have argued that his actions are disrespectful even though it isn’t his national anthem as a Frenchman.
Prior to Game 5 in San Antonio, Johnson was asked about his star’s decision to skip the national anthem recently.
“I think there’s plenty of players that are not on the floor during the anthem,” Johnson told reporters. “I don’t know if that’s habit, superstition, bathroom, whatever it may be. I don’t foresee anything looking into that at all.”
Mitch Johnson on Wemby not being on the court for the national anthem in the last 2 games:
“I think there’s plenty of players that are not on the floor during the anthem. I don’t know if that’s habit, superstition, bathroom, whatever it may be. I don’t foresee anything looking… pic.twitter.com/djRVZI4zaU
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) June 13, 2026
While Wembanyama was not on the court at Madison Square Garden for the national anthem prior to Games 3 and 4, it’s worth noting that he was present on the court on Saturday night in San Antonio for the national anthem.
https://t.co/66RuZu3dPv pic.twitter.com/bIW4FTZwcP
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) June 14, 2026
San Antonio has its work cut out entering Game 5. Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the rest of the Knicks have one thing on their minds tonight: winning the franchise’s first NBA championship since 1973.
Wembanyama and the Spurs are hoping to extend their season and silence his critics after their heartbreaking loss in Game 4.
This season, Wembanyama has been one of the most dominant players in the NBA. The NBA MVP finalist led the Spurs to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014, averaging 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 3.5 blocks, and a steal during the postseason.
