San Antonio forward Victor Wembanyama had an inconsistent night as the Spurs blew a huge lead to lose 105-95 to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday evening.
Despite registering a double-double of 26 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks, Wembanyama shot just 28.6% from the field and 22.2% from beyond the arc.
Victor Wembanyama Receives Huge Praise From Donald Trump
The finals have already elicited major interest and on Thursday, President Donald Trump revealed that he had accepted an invitation by Knicks owner James Dolan to attend Game 2 at Madison Square Garden next week.
While speaking to reporters, President Trump hailed Wembanyama’s talent and detailed some of the Spurs forward’s outstanding attributes.
“The answer is yes,” Trump said. “Dolan has invited me, and I’m going. I’ll be there. It could be Monday. Maybe I’ll do both. Wemby is a great player. He’s going to be a great player. He’s already a great player. I said, ‘How do you guard this guy?’ He’s 7-foot-5 and has a great shot.”
Wembanyama started cold against the Knicks, scoring just 5 points in the first quarter, before heating up as the game progressed. The talented forward had a rough night, managing a postseason career high in missed shots (15) and turnovers (6).
According to ESPN Insights, Wembanyama is the youngest player to register 25 points and 10 rebounds since Kobe Bryant achieved the statistic in the Lakers’ Game 5 win against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001.
During his postgame news conference, Wembanyama took responsibility for the Spurs’ sluggish offense after the second quarter, which resulted in their first Game 1 loss in franchise history.
“I agree with the coach,” Wembanyama said. “It’s the same: Every team guards differently. I’m going to figure it out. I was bad tonight. It’s not more complicated than that. It was quick. I think we let that one go.
“It’s almost not like I have anything to figure out. It’s almost like I have to play normal, not even good [in Game 2]. It’s just [about] doing the right things enough. When we play bad, when I play bad, is when we shoot ourselves in the foot. This is why I’m not worried. We’re going to be so much better. I’m going to be so much better.”
The President’s confirmed attendance at Game 3 at MSG has already heightened interest in the 2026 NBA Finals to a crescendo, as the Spurs attempt to overcome a 12-year title drought, while the Knicks face an even bigger task: winning their first championship since 1973.
