The San Antonio Spurs dropped Game 1 of the NBA Finals, in large part thanks to poor performances from De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, but will be looking to get a game back at home on Friday.
The San Antonio Spurs are still reeling after their Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks. The Spurs fell 105-95, blowing a 14-point third-quarter lead and giving the Knicks a 1-0 start to the NBA Finals.
Victor Wembanyama finished with an inefficient 26 points and was mostly a non-factor in the first half, going two-of-eight from the field.
In addition to Wembanyama's poor outing, the Spurs were held back by De'Aaron Fox, who only scored seven points, with none coming in the fourth quarter. Dylan Harper and Julian Champagnie got off to strong starts, although the Spurs fizzled out in the final frame and a half.
Even with the loss, the Spurs aren't worried about the series as a whole, and Wembanyama is still feeling extra confident.
Wembanyama Has No Concerns About NBA Finals
Before the Finals, the Spurs beat the Trail Blazers in five games, the Timberwolves in six, and the Thunder in seven. To close out OKC in the Western Conference Finals, the Spurs had to rally from down 3-2, winning the last two games with no room for error.
After Game 1 on Wednesday, Wembanyama was well aware that he needs to play better, but he isn't worried about his poor outing becoming the norm rather than an exception.
"We've been down in a series before, never in the Finals, obviously, but I'm not kicking myself about anything, really," he said. "I mean, I'm not worried the slightest."
Wembanyama will enter Game 2 on Friday, treating it like any other game, and recommends that his teammates do the same.
"Protocol is big for me," he added. "And by protocol, I mean doing everything right, doing all the film I need to do, doing all the recovery, speaking to my team, figuring out the things, and holding each other accountable. That, for me, doesn't get more complicated than that. I'm not an overthinker."
Before he left the podium, Wembanyama left the media, the fans, and the Knicks with one last promise:
"This is why I'm not worried: we're going to be so much better, and I'm going to be so much better."
The Spurs are no longer betting favorites to win the series, although Wembanyama is still the overwhelming Finals MVP. The Spurs' success will start and end with him in the next five games.
