Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Victor Wembanyama insisted he is not worried after the San Antonio Spurs blew a 14-point third-quarter lead in a Game 1 NBA Finals loss to the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.
San Antonio had its worst offensive game of the postseason, while New York seized home-court advantage and extended its playoff winning streak to 12 games.
For more on the comeback, read Knicks vs Spurs NBA Finals Game 1: Jalen Brunson Leads New York's Stunning Comeback Victory.
Wembanyama Owns Rough Shooting Night
Wembanyama still led the San Antonio Spurs with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks, but the New York Knicks made every touch difficult. Their defense forced him into tough shots, and he finished 6 of 21 from the field with a game-high six turnovers.
"We've been down in a series before, never in the Finals, obviously," Wembanyama told reporters. "But I'm not kicking myself about anything, really.
"I'm not worried in the slightest."
The final minutes showed how much pressure New York put on San Antonio’s offense. Wembanyama looked tired late, while Jalen Brunson helped the New York Knicks close out a statement road win.
"I was bad tonight,” Wembanyama said. "It's not more complicated than that."
San Antonio Spurs Face Game 2 Pressure
The San Antonio Spurs have already recovered from a Game 1 defeat in this postseason, doing so against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. The NBA Finals, though, leave far less room for another slow response.
Wembanyama’s belief comes after a breakout season that included Defensive Player of the Year honors, an MVP finalist spot and a first NBA postseason run that has taken San Antonio to the Finals. Fans can follow official series details through the NBA Playoffs page.
Game 2 on Friday night now becomes a major test for the San Antonio Spurs. Another defeat would send them to Madison Square Garden trailing 2-0 against a New York Knicks team playing with form, confidence and a fierce home crowd waiting.