Victor Wembanyama Showed True Leadership Toward Rookie Teammate

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Victor Wembanyama Showed True Leadership Toward Rookie Teammate

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 25, 2026 6:33 AM ET

San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama had Carter Bryant's back when it mattered most. The two-time All-Star reminded the promising 20-year-old to keep his head up. Bryant had just received some tough love from head coach Mitch Johnson.

The moment came at the four-minute mark of the third quarter. Bryant forced the issue on a fast break and drew an offensive foul after crashing into Jaylin Williams. The disappointment on his face was immediate.

An irate Johnson did not hold back. He delivered a firm message before subbing Bryant out for the rest of the game. The rookie looked as if he was on the verge of tears.

Wembanyama stepped in, putting his arm around his teammate and offering reassurance. A video of the exchange circulated online, showing Wembanyama’s leadership by calming Bryant down on the sideline.

O novato Carter Bryant cometeu um turnover e a quarta falta dele ainda no terceiro quarto

Acabou levando uma bronca do treinador em seguida

Prestes a chorar, Victor Wembanyama durante um timeout parou pra aconselhar e encorajar ele

fofo pic.twitter.com/Nu8iX9kHbD
— NBA do Povo (@NBAdoPovo) May 25, 2026

The Spurs evened the best-of-seven series at 2-2 with a dominant 103-82 rout at Frost Bank Center. Wembanyama was all over the stat sheet once more. He tallied 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks.

San Antonio went on a 16-0 run in the opening quarter and never looked back. The lead ballooned to as many as 25 at one point. Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle pitched in 13 apiece.

Bryant logged seven minutes in the blowout win. He was scoreless but contributed one rebound, one assist, one steal and a block.

San Antonio sees a bright future ahead for him, and Johnson's high standards are a reflection of that belief.

Growing pains come with the territory as a rookie. Having a teammate like Wembanyama in your corner makes the journey easier to navigate.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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