Victor Wembanyama Acknowledges Shooting Struggles in Opening Night Loss to Thunder

Victor Wembanyama made his feelings known after shooting struggles in the Spurs' opening night loss to the Thunder.

Victor Wembanyama Acknowledges Shooting Struggles in Opening Night Loss to Thunder

Victor Wembanyama (Image credits - Yahoo Sports)

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs were back in action for the first time since their Game 5 loss to the New York Knicks. While all the spotlight was on the Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers clash, the hype surrounding the Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder matchup was high as well as the two sides have built a heated rivalry over the past year.

Many view the Spurs-Thunder rivalry to be the next big thing in the league. The tensions were high on opening night as they were some heated exchanges and physical plays from both sides. In the end, the Spurs fell 116-104 at the Frost Bank Center on Tuesday night.

Wembanyama has been the difference maker whenever the two sides clashed last season. Unfortunately for the Spurs, the star center was having one of the worst shooting nights of his career. While he recorded a double-double as he finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and six blocks, he went 1-for-13 from the field and missed all four of his three-point attempts.

The Thunder have been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last two years. However, the Spurs have had their number since the rise of Wembanyama and his teammates last season. After going 4-1 over the Thunder in the regular season, the Spurs defeated them in a heated Western Conference Finals in seven games.

After his disappointing performance, Wembanyama spoke to the media and candidly reflected on a night he’d rather forget.

I need to go back to playing the basketball I like. This is not the sport I like, right here. I have no reason to be hesitant. It’s as simple as that. I’m good when I have fun. At some points, I missed a lot of shots I don’t usually miss. I was indecisive. I might be overthinking it.

Victor Wembanyama in his press conference

Both the Spurs and the Thunder are favorites to dethrone the Knicks next year. It was not the opening night Wembanyama would have been hoping for in front of his home crowd, but he is well aware and has taken accountability for it.

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Mitch Johnson comes to Victor Wembanyama’s defense after a rough shooting night

Wembanyama is coming off a stellar 2025-26 campaign despite losing in the NBA Finals a few months ago. He finished at third place in the MVP race, became the youngest and first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year winner, and broke several records during the playoffs.

While critics pointed fingers at his poor performance on Tuesday, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson didn’t want to single out his star player and believed the entire team didn’t show up for their season opener.

Thought we came out probably really amped up, which would be understandable. I don’t think we put our energy or channel that energy in the right places. Execution was not good… I think everybody struggled equally. I know obviously his field goal will stand out, but we all participated in that one.

The Spurs may be favorites to win the championship next year, but they are still a very young team. It was a humbling experience for Wembanyama, who has his eyes set on winning it all this season.

Chet Holmgren on his team’s defensive performance after limiting Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama averaged 27.3 points on 48% from the field in the Western Conference Finals last season. So, his poor performance in the season opener may have surprised many.

Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama
Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama (Image credits – Bleacher Report)

Chet Holmgren was Wembanyama’s key defensive matchup on Tuesday night. The two share a lot of history together and even had a few intense moments in the playoffs last season.

Following his impressive performance, Holmgren spoke about the Thunder’s role in forcing the French star to have an off night.

I think we did a great job of keying in on what the coaches gave us and going out there and not only making it tough on him, but tough on everybody else as a team.

Chet Holmgren in his press conference

The two sides remain favorites to clash again in the Conference Finals next year. Wembanyama’s comments in his press conference suggested that he was lacking confidence and, hence, struggled on the offensive end. He’ll look to put his off-night behind him as the Spurs take on the Houston Rockets on October 23.

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