Victor Wembanyama didn’t panic after the San Antonio Spurs lost to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Despite Wednesday night’s 105-95 loss, the Spurs superstar made it clear that he still has full faith that his team will respond in Game 2.
“I was terrible tonight. It’s not more complicated than that,” Wembanyama said.
The 22-year-old still finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks in his NBA Finals debut. Wembanya became the fourth player to score at least 26 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks in his first Finals since blocks became an official statistic in 1974, joining Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon and Elvin Hayes.
Wembunyama felt like he didn’t make enough of an impact, especially after New York erased a 14-point deficit in the second half and capped off an 11-0 run in the final two minutes to end the game.
“It’s very fast,” Vunbanyama said. “I think we let that guy go.”
The Knicks controlled several key areas, outscored the Spurs in the paint and scored 23 points on second chances. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson believes his star center needs to get himself closer to the basket earlier in the game.
“I agree with coach,” Wembanyama said. “It’s all the same: Every team defends differently. I’ll figure it out.”
Despite the disappointing end result, there was little concern in the Spurs dressing room.
“We’re excited about Game 2 because we know we can play better, but it’s not the game we’re used to,” forward Devin Vassell said, according to ESPN.
The bottom line is that Wemby doesn’t see any major adjustments needed for the next game.
“There’s almost nothing I need to figure out. It’s almost like I have to play normal, or even bad [in Game 2]. it’s just [about] Doing the right thing is enough. When we don’t play well, when I don’t play well, we shoot ourselves in the foot. That’s why I’m not worried. We will get better. I will get better. “
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