Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020

The Victor Wembanyama postgame snub became a major talking point after the San Antonio Spurs’ NBA Finals defeat to the New York Knicks, who sealed the series 94-90 in Game 5 over the weekend. The loss ended the Spurs’ title hopes, but attention quickly shifted when Wembanyama walked straight to the locker room without joining postgame handshakes on court in New York. The moment sparked debate across media about respect, emotion, and professionalism after a championship loss.

Postgame reaction divides NBA voices

Analysts split sharply on Wembanyama’s exit. Jay Williams defended him, saying,
“Shaking hands is what you do when you're in the little leagues."

Stephen A. Smith disagreed and criticized the move on-air, arguing it was not fitting for a star player in a Finals setting. Chris Canty also questioned the decision, while others noted tradition usually sees players exchange respect after the final buzzer. Wembanyama later said the defeat was painful and would fuel his offseason work, but did not explain the exit.

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