Victor Wembanyama has fully embraced being the New York Knicks’ villain, as the San Antonio Spurs center has become the newest target of the notoriously hostile Madison Square Garden crowd.
But following the Spurs’ 115-111 win in Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, Wembanyama downplayed the hostility during his postgame press conference, as he believes he’s still miles away from being the most hated player in New York City.
Advertisement
“I guess. I’m nowhere near Trae Young-level, though.” Wembanyama quipped. “At home, it really feels like playing six against five. In here, it feels like playing five against six. But I agree with Luke (Kornet); it really shows what teams are made of.”
To Wembanyama’s point, Trae Young continues to catch strays from the Knicks fans after the former Atlanta Hawks guard ended their postseason run in the first round in 2021. Considering that New York’s hate for Young is still strong, Wembanyama will only surpass Young if he beats the Knicks in the Finals.
MORE: Victor Wembanyama gets away with flagrant foul on Jalen Brunson
Advertisement
Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) vies for position against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals in the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) vies for position against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals in the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Victor Wembanyama’s monster performance gives San Antonio Spurs their first win vs. New York Knicks
Victor Wembanyama produced another all-around performance to help the San Antonio Spurs secure an 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks. The Frenchman bounced back from his costly late-game collapse in Game 2, as he had 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three blocks on 11-for-18 shooting from the field in 39 minutes.
The Spurs handed the Knicks their first defeat in 46 days and spoiled their first home NBA Finals game since 1999, with United States President Donald Trump in attendance.
Advertisement
At 22 years and 155 days, Wembanyama became the second-youngest player behind Magic Johnson (20 years, 276 days) to record at least 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists in an NBA Finals game.