Victor Wembanyama Makes a Bold Claim Before NBA Finals Game 3
The San Antonio Spurs are trailing 2-0 in the NBA Finals to the New York Knicks after dropping a devastating contest on Friday night by a single point. Victor Wembanyama was a huge part of the team's comeback in the fourth quarter, but he also ended the game with a turnover, passing the ball off of teammate Stephon Castle's back, and then he missed the game-winning shot attempt at the buzzer.
No team has ever come back from a 2-0 deficit in the NBA Finals after losing the first two games on its home floor. The Spurs would have to do something nobody else has ever done, but Wemby says he's ready for this moment of truth. He spoke about how much he loves the pressure he's facing during media day on Sunday.
Wemby on dealing with the pressure of being down 0-2 in the Finals:
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 7, 2026
"This is everything that I wish for, so there's no reason to really overthink it. I mean, this is what I'm built for." pic.twitter.com/TXMaDPU5cV
"I think the key is acceptance a lot of times, and taking a step back, realizing the journey is behind us and what's ahead of us. Just being okay with who I am, where I am, what I'm doing. I think at the end of the day, this is everything that I wish for, so there's no reason to really overthink it. I mean, this is what I'm built for."
Wemby has never been a shy player, always willing to wear his emotions on his sleeve and tell the public what he's thinking. He's an introspective player being put in a unique situation. Not many stars are leading their teams to the last stage of the NBA season at only 22 years old.
The Spurs have been an unprecedented combination of youth and talent so far in the playoffs, but the Knicks have put a halt to the feel-good story of San Antonio. New York is writing its own storybook ending, trying to exorcise over 50 years of misery and win the franchise's first NBA title since 1973.
Game 3 of the NBA Finals is Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 9:30 PM.