Victor Wembanyama Admits Losing MVP Award to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Fueled Him in Game 1

Victor Wembanyama reacted to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning the MVP award over him.

Victor Wembanyama Admits Losing MVP Award to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Fueled Him in Game 1

Victor Wembanyama (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Victor Wembanyama expressed that losing the MVP award to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander motivated him in Game 1.
  • He recorded a game-high 41 points, 24 rebounds, and three blocks, leading the Spurs to a 122-115 victory.
  • Wembanyama is making a strong case as one of the best players in the league during his first playoff appearance.

Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals saw Victor Wembanyama lock horns against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Both SGA and Wembanyama led their teams to first and second place in the Western Conference standings during the regular season and were named among the top three candidates for the MVP award.

SGA was named as the MVP and picked up the award on Monday in front of Wembanyama. Meanwhile, the French star finished third in the MVP race.

While speaking to the media, Wembanyama was asked if he took it personally that SGA won the MVP award over him.

Yes, for sure, everything you just said.

Victor Wembanyama in his post-match press conference

It was a candid response from Victor Wembanyama, who did not hide his feelings. He admitted that seeing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lift the MVP award fueled him even further to perform in Game 1 in front of Oklahoma City Thunder fans. It was the Canadian’s second MVP award after winning it last year as well.

The San Antonio Spurs center was nearly flawless from start to finish as he put in arguably the best performance of his career. He recorded a double-double as he posted a game-high 41 points, 24 rebounds, and three blocks in 49 minutes of playing time.

His performance was one for the ages. With everyone, including SGA, struggling to find their scoring, Wembanyama stood above everyone and scored 41 against the league’s best defense. He led the Spurs to an impressive 122-115 victory over the defending champions at the Paycom Center on Monday night.

It was the Thunder’s first defeat in the playoffs this year. They clean swept the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers in the first two rounds. Wembanyama and the Spurs have drawn first blood as they got the Western Conference Finals underway with a road win.

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Victor Wembanyama is just getting started

The 22-year-old superstar is playing in his first-ever playoffs this year. While critics doubted whether the Spurs’ lack of playoff experience would hold them back this year, Wembanyama and his teammates have put those doubts to rest.

After the game, Wembanyama elaborated on his feelings after losing out on the MVP award to SGA.

Feels like I still got a lot to learn. I want to get that trophy many times in my career.

Victor Wembanyama in his post-match press conference

The Frenchman had the opportunity to become the youngest ever MVP winner in NBA history. While he could not accomplish that feat, he did become the youngest and the first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year. In the regular season, Wembanyama averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and a league-high 3.1 blocks in 64 appearances.

Is Victor Wembanyama the best basketball player in the world?

When the Spurs drafted Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA draft, they picked an anomaly who could be the face of the franchise for years to come. He has already cemented himself as the best two-way player in the league and is making a case for the best player in the world.

Victor Wembanyama in Game against OKC
Victor Wembanyama in Game against OKC (Image credits – ESPN Insights/X)

After his historic Game 1 performance, Wembanyama was asked if he feels he is the best basketball player in the world now.

Do I feel like it right now? I feel tired. But it’s not a question I’m wondering right now. We’ll see. The world is 8 billion people, so it’s 8 billion opinions.

Victor Wembanyama on being best player in the world

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be looking for a strong comeback after his performance in Game 1. The Thunder may have been the best defensive team in the regular season, but the Spurs have the best defensive rating so far in the playoffs, largely thanks to Wembanyama.

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