Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs experienced his first Christmas Day game on Wednesday and he put on quite the show.
The second-year star posted 42 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks in his team’s 117-114 loss to the New York Knicks.
Even though he played very well, things didn’t end how Wembanyama wanted and he spoke about that after the game.
Talking to the press and New York Basketball, via Legion Hoops, Wembanyama said the Knicks “didn’t win against us because they played better basketball.”
Instead, he said it was because the Spurs grew lazy and let the Knicks do whatever they wanted on the court.
According to Wembanyama, this wasn’t a matter of skill; it was a matter of making too many avoidable mistakes.
Victor Wembanyama on today’s loss to Knicks on Christmas Day:
“They didn’t win against us because they played better basketball. Not at all.”
(via @NBA_NewYork)pic.twitter.com/MAvbjrO88W
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 25, 2024
Wembanyama said the game was all about “being dogs” and which team wanted it more.
In the end, the Knicks were more tuned in and eager to score a victory, especially at home in front of their very loyal and vocal fans on such a big day.
Even though he lost, Wembanyama has a lot to be proud of.
He had one of the best Christmas Day debuts ever and was able to keep his team close to their opponent throughout the entire game.
He said the loss wasn’t about the Knicks being better, but many fans disagreed with him.
Still, the fact that things were so close was positive news for the Spurs and proves they really are getting better.
Wembanyama should be happy with his scoring, but he isn’t going easy on himself or his team and is demanding more.
NEXT: Victor Wembanyama Is Already Making NBA History With Wild Stat