San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama has been getting some criticism for either not being on the court or how he’s showing up during the national anthem during the 2026 NBA Finals between the Spurs and New York Knicks.
On Saturday night, though, Wembanyama was on the court at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Even with Wembanyama there, though, criticism was still raining down on him from NBA onlookers.
NBA World Still Not Happy With Victor Wembanyama
Matt Wallace had something to say as a slowed-down video clip seemed to show Wembanyama as less than happy.
In his post on X, Wallace wrote, “Victor Wembanyama makes extremely angry face during the National Anthem.”
Victor Wembanyama makes extremely angry face during the National Anthem pic.twitter.com/QM9x0nKuc9
— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) June 14, 2026
Dan Zaksheske, who is a reporter and content creator for OutKick, shared his thoughts on watching Wembanyama during the national anthem. Zaksheske posted, “Victor Wembanyama once again crosses his arms during the US National Anthem ahead of Game 5.”
Victor Wembanyama once again crosses his arms during the US National Anthem ahead of Game 5. pic.twitter.com/xPmjXTo7Hh
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) June 14, 2026
One user, though, appeared to come to Wembanyama’s side and defend his actions: “He’s French. It’s not his anthem.”
Why has there been so much attention given to Wembanyama and his lack of appearances for the national anthem at the 2026 NBA Finals? He didn’t appear on the court in Games 3 and 4 at Madison Square Garden, but he was on the court for Games 1 and 2 at Frost Bank Center.
In Game 1, he had his arms crossed. Then, in Game 2, it looked like Wembanayama was praying while the national anthem was taking place.
Even Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson offered his comments on Wembanyama’s actions. Johnson told reporters that some players just don’t come out for the anthem.
“I think there’s plenty of players that are not on the floor during the anthem,” Johnson said. “I don’t know if that’s habit, superstition, bathroom, whatever it may be. I don’t foresee anything looking into that at all”.
With under 2 minutes left in the first half on Saturday night, Wembanyama had 9 points as the Spurs held a 42-37 halftime lead. But the Knicks are showing some resilience and are rallying late in the first half. Wembanyama might face more criticism if the Spurs end up losing and the Knicks win their first NBA championship since 1973.
The Spurs know what they have to do, and it has nothing to do with Wembanyama being present or not for the national anthem.
