
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama's confidence level remains high, despite being down 2-0 in the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.
Wembanyama committed a costly turnover late in the fourth quarter and failed to make the winning shot in a 105-104 loss in Game 2. He's not letting that faze him heading into Game 3 in Madison Square Garden on Monday (ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET).
"I think the key is acceptance a lot of times," Wembanyama said Sunday when asked about the pressure he faces in a must-win game. "Taking a step back, realizing the journey that's behind us and what's ahead of us. And just being OK with who I am, where I am, what I am doing. At the end of the day, this is everything that I wish for, there's no reason to overthink it. This is what I'm built for."
The 7-foot-4, 235-pound forward is built to dominate the league, but he hasn't been as formidable in the series against New York. Through two games, Wembanyama has averaged 27.5 points per game but has shot an underwhelming 40.5 percent from the field. He was much more efficient in the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 27.3 PPG on 48.1 percent shooting.
Victor Wembanyama is asked how he deals with the pressure of the NBA Finals:
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 7, 2026
"This is everything that I wished for, there's no reason to overthink it. This is what I'm built for." pic.twitter.com/03IoVItYy2
The first two games were at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. Now that the best-of-seven series is heading to New York for Games 3 and 4, it could be even more difficult for Wembanyama to perform. Rabid Knicks fans — some of whom weren't alive the last time the team won its last title during the 1972-73 season — will heckle him throughout the night. He insists it won't distract him.
"Not really," Wembanyama said when asked if he thinks a raucous MSG crowd will impact him. "It could, but isolating myself is something I've practiced over the years. I'm good at it. Not a problem."
Victor Wembanyama is asked if the intensity at MSG could have an impact on him and the Spurs:
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 7, 2026
"Not really. It could, but isolating myself is something I've practiced over the years. I'm good at it. Not a problem." pic.twitter.com/j0JNQJGUPe
The Spurs hope Wembanyama can stay focused at an electric MSG on Monday night. They're already on the wrong side of history after falling into an early hole in the series. Only five teams have come back from a 2-0 deficit to win the Finals; none of those squads did so after dropping the first two games at home.
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