Victor Wembanyama Blames Himself for Game 1 Loss: “I Was Bad Tonight”

Victor Wemabanyama was left disappointed with his performance in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Victor Wembanyama Blames Himself for Game 1 Loss: “I Was Bad Tonight”

Victor Wembanyama (Image via FirstSportz)

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs had the match for the taking, but came up small when it mattered in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night. The loss means the Spurs lose their home-court advantage early in the series.

It was a strong start in the first half, with the Spurs leading by seven points at halftime. However, the New York Knicks bounced back strongly in the second half as they secured a 105-95 victory at the Frost Bank Center.

Following the loss, Wembanyama took accountability for Game 1.

Every team guards differently. I’ll figure it out. I was bad tonight… It’s not more complicated than that.

Victor Wembanyama in his post match press conference

Victor Wembanyama has never shied away from taking the blame whenever his team comes up short. Despite leading his team with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, Wembanyama felt he needed to do better in Game 1.

The French star has been a game-changer in every series in his first-ever playoffs. He has broken a few playoff records along the way and was named the Western Conference Finals MVP after helping the Spurs knock out the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games.

While he recorded a double-double on Wednesday night, he was highly inefficient in scoring. He shot at just 29% from the field and made just two of his nine three-point attempts. He committed six turnovers as well. Hence, it is not surprising to see the 22-year-old left unhappy after his performance in Game 1.

RELATED
Spurs Fans Cheer ‘Air Corgi’ After Predicting Victor Wembanyama’s Team Will Win NBA Finals in 7 Games

Mitch Johnson expects Victor Wembanyama to be better in Game 2

The stat line shows that Victor Wembanyama had a good game, but even he acknowledges he was far below his best. He did suffer a minor knock in the third quarter that forced him to limp to the bench. But he was struggling to make shots in the first half as well.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson expressed confidence in his star player to bounce back in Game 2.

He definitely holds himself accountable, I would suspect he’ll learn a lot of things from tonight’s game and come out with a good approach in Game 2.

Mitch Johnson in his post match press conference

After losing Game 1, the Spurs will be expected to bounce back strongly in Game 2. A loss in Game 2 would be a huge uphill battle for the remainder of the series.

Victor Wembanyama remains calm after Game 1 loss

Before the playoffs got underway, some believed the Spurs’ lack of playoff experience could be an issue this year. However, they have turned their lack of experience into an advantage, playing fearlessly throughout the postseason.

Spurs need a dominant effort from Victor Wembanyama
Spurs need a dominant effort from Victor Wembanyama in Game 2 (Image via Legion Hoops/X)

After the game, Victor Wembanyama stayed confident despite going 1-0 down at home.

We’ve been down in a series before, never in the Finals, obviously, but I’m not kicking myself about anything really. I mean, I’m not worried the slightest.

Victor Wembanyama in his post match press conference

This is not the first time that the Spurs have found themselves behind in a playoff series. In the second round, they lost Game 1 at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves before bouncing back to win the series in six games.

Similarly, they were 3-2 down to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. They may not have the same level of experience as the Knicks, but they have shown that they can overcome the odds this year.

Also Read: