Players’ emotions were running high, and tensions flared during an intense NBA Gold Cup game between the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. The Warriors escaped with the slimmest of victories against the emerging Western Conference foes, but it included a heated moment between young star Victor Wembanyama and Draymond Green.
The two were locked up in the paint on one play, with Green trying to guard Wemby. Spurs guard Stephon Castle threw the ball inbounds as a lob pass to Wemby, who then dunked it on Green. However, the Warriors veteran took exception to the Spurs’ star’s exuberant post-dunk reaction and had some words for him.
Wemby didn’t back down in the moment, though, as he stood up to Draymond. Eventually, other players and referees intervened to shut down the moment before it escalated.
"I was not trying to prove anything to anybody. It's just you know, at some point, just like anybody, for me at least, when someone speaks to you a certain way, you have to respond a certain way," Wembanyama told the media at a post-game press conference.
The highlight dunk, followed by Wemby and Green's exchange, occurred when it was 89-82 in the fourth quarter. However, the Warriors battled with the Spurs until the final buzzer, claiming a 109-108 win in San Antonio.
Golden State outscored San Antonio 32-29 in the final quarter, got a late lead, and prevented a potential Spurs’ game-winner. Stephen Curry finished with a game-high 49 points on 16-for-26 shooting, including nine three-pointers.
Asked if he enjoyed the moments of intense competition on Friday night against the Warriors, Wemby shook his head, likely disappointed with the outcome.
“Good question. I don’t know. I'm not enjoying the moment right now,” he replied.
While the Warriors claimed the win, Wemby may have won the one-on-one and mental battle. The former No. 1 pick finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and a steal. His vocal opponent, Green, had six points on 3-for-12 shooting, to go with eight rebounds, eight assists, and three blocks.
It also appeared to be a defining moment in the early stages of what is likely to be a critically acclaimed and highly regarded NBA career for Victor Wembanyama, full of stats, records, and highlights like the one involving Green.
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