There is no mistaking what Victor Wembanyama became in Game 3

Victor Wembanyama is known for many things.

He’s the next face of the league. He’s an “alien.” He’s a 7-foot-4 sensation who can make 3-pointers.

But he may have just added to his lore.

His newest act?

Knicks villain.

Advertisement

He played spoiler on a night when Knicks fans paid over $11,000 to get into Madison Square Garden. He ruined the team’s first Finals game on home soil in 27 years. He sent President Donald Trump, Timothée Chalamet, Spike Lee and Ben Stiller home disappointed.

Right now, Wembanyama is New Yorkers’ No. 1 enemy.

Wembanyama led the Spurs to a 115-111 win Monday in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, dealing a blow to the most populated city in America with 8.4 million residents who were foaming at the mouth to celebrate being one win away from their first championship since 1973.

Not so fast.

Wembanyama had 32 points on 11-for-18 shooting from the field, 2-for-4 from deep, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and three blocked shots to put the series at 2-1.

Advertisement

In a tight fourth quarter in which the Knicks cut the Spurs’ eight-point lead to 113-111 with 9.4 seconds left, Wembanyama was the best player on the court. He had 10 points. He had a blocked shot. He was aggressive on the defensive end, helping hold the Knicks to 3-for-10 shooting in the paint over that period.

It was nightmarish for New Yorkers, who are used to Jalen Brunson playing the hero in those types of tight situations.

Wembanyama not only played spoiler, but earlier in the game he shoved the King of New York, firmly embracing the villain moniker.

With under five minutes left in the first quarter, Wembanyama pushed the back of Brunson’s neck. The Knicks star fell onto his hands. Richard Jefferson said on the ABC broadcast that he should’ve been assessed a flagrant 1 foul.

Advertisement

But there was no whistle on the play.

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama. Jason Szenes for the New York Post

Knicks fans weren’t pleased. In the second quarter, a “F–k you, Wemby” chant erupted as Karl-Anthony Towns shot free throws. Knicks fans also took to X to…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/no-mistaking-victor-wembanyama-became-053441656.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-06-09 05:34:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.