Victor Wembanyama once again caused a stir ahead of Friday’s Game 2 NBA Finals clash against the New York Knicks for his actions during the U.S. national anthem, as the San Antonio Spurs superstar appeared to be praying.
While the moment was nothing serious to many, some took exception to Wembanyama’s conduct after he caught flak for crossing his arms during the anthem before Game 1.
Victor Wembanyama Faces Continued Backlash Over Handling of National Anthem
Wembanyama was among several Spurs players targeted with criticism after Game 1’s pregame anthem ceremony, with conservative political influencer Matt Wallace leading the charge.
“Spurs players REFUSE to put their hands over their hearts for the national anthem! They are making millions of dollars to play a child’s game, and still feel oppressed somehow… Only 2 players covered their hearts. Take note of which ones!” Wallace wrote on X.
After watching Wembanyama follow up by praying before Game 2, Wallace doubled down with a different interpretation.
“Victor Wembanyama covers his face during the national anthem! This is the most disrespectful thing I have ever seen a foreign player do while playing in the United States. Unbelievable,” Wallace blasted the Spurs phenom.
Victor Wembanyama covers his face during the national anthem!
This is the most disrespectful thing I have ever seen a foreign player do while playing in the United States.
Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/p9K3vxGC3t
— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) June 6, 2026
Wallace’s latest gripe with Wembanyama came after President Donald Trump was asked if he “saw Wemby crossing his arms during the U.S. national anthem” ahead of Game 1 and whether he had “any thoughts” on the situation.
Trump noted that “he did not see” the gesture before urging reporters to ask the 22-year-old “what he meant” by it instead.
I asked President Trump about Victor Wembanyama crossing his arms during the national anthem. Trump said he didn’t see that, but wanted to know what Wemby meant by it.
When I said no one asked, Trump said “Someone should ask him.” pic.twitter.com/YGW5KafqKt
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) June 5, 2026
Notably, Wembanyama is from France and hasn’t given any indication that he is attempting to make a political statement.
Still, the two-time All-Star faced continued pushback on X, drawing a few fiery high-profile reactions.
“Aye, Wemby. You are 7’5”, how are you this big and soft? Next time, have some respect for the national anthem, you big piece of French baguette,” former NFL player Breiden Fehoko called out Wembanyama.
Aye Wemby. You are 7’5 how are you this big and soft? Next time have some respect for the National Anthem you big piece of French baguette.
— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) June 6, 2026
“Wemby got some blowback for his national anthem folded arms, and he has now mentally folded. Good. Show some respect,” analyst Jason Whitlock slammed the Spurs standout.
Wemby got some blowback for his national-anthem folded arms and he has now mentally folded. Good. Show some respect.
— Jason Whitlock (@jasonwhitlock) June 6, 2026
However, others questioned whether the story was even newsworthy.
“Spurs C Victor Wembanyama was praying during the national anthem prior to Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Is this also a political protest, or can we just move on from this discussion?” conservative content creator Jon Root asked.
Spurs C Victor Wembanyama was praying during the National Anthem prior to Game 2 of the NBA Finals
Is this also a political protest or can we just move on from this discussion? pic.twitter.com/oKRDW5KKEF
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) June 6, 2026
Wembanyama went on to endure another tough night on the court. After a quiet 7-point first half in which he was dragged for his lack of aggression, he tallied 22 points in the second half, leading a furious late-game rally to give his team a chance to win.
Unfortunately for Wembanyama, he committed a costly, unforced late-game turnover and missed the mark on a potential game-winner as San Antonio fell 105-104 on its home floor.
WEMBY JUST THREW THE GAME AWAY 😭 pic.twitter.com/FWWzCYFHZM
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) June 6, 2026
The Spurs now trail the series 2-0 heading to New York for Monday’s critical Game 3 showdown, with the 2023 No. 1 pick facing heightened pressure to get his squad on the board.
