Victor Wembanyama took full responsibility for the San Antonio Spurs’ loss in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday. This defeat marked them as the third team in NBA history to lose the first two Finals games at home. The Spurs experienced both a brilliant comeback and a crushing collapse in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks, ending in a 105-104 loss. Wembanyama faces challenges in moving past the closing moments of the game.
During the final quarter, the Spurs overcame a 14-point deficit, tying the game with a 14-0 run. Wembanyama briefly gave the team the lead with a three-point play in the last minute. Ultimately, San Antonio tied the score with 14 seconds to play. Then, it was a showdown between Knicks’ Jalen Brunson and Wembanyama, the season’s unanimous Defensive Player of the Year. Brunson’s shot missed, and Wembanyama secured the rebound.
Wembanyama passed the ball to teammate Stephon Castle, but Castle was not prepared, and the ball bounced off him. Brunson regained possession and was fouled by Wembanyama, leading Brunson to the free-throw line. “I need to have more poise,” Wembanyama admitted. Brunson missed one of the free throws, which left the Knicks with a one-point advantage. Wembanyama then attempted a game-winning jumper but was unsuccessful, allowing the Knicks to seize a 2-0 series lead.
Despite the mistake, Wembanyama reflected on their team’s missed opportunities. “We didn’t play great as a team,” Wembanyama stated. He expressed regret but emphasized his intention to use this experience as motivation for Game 3. He acknowledged being overly “high” from their victory in the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Knicks now carry the momentum into Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, an NBA Finals venue for the first time in years. The game, scheduled for Monday night, is attracting colossal attention, with ticket prices reaching around $12,000 on the secondary market.
History suggests a challenging path ahead for the Spurs. The only other teams to lose the first two home games in the Finals — the 1993 Phoenix Suns and the 1995 Orlando Magic — were unable to secure a championship. The upcoming game serves as a pivotal moment for the Spurs to shift the series momentum.