Spurs fans defend Victor Wembanyama after NBA Finals play vs. Knicks: ‘He’s 22’

Although the San Antonio Spurs began the 2026 NBA Finals as the odds-on favorites, their season was already a massive success. Fans understandably do not like to employ a cherry-on-top mentality, especially since there is no guarantee that a young and superbly talented squad will get back to this stage, but most people saw this group as a fringe playoff contender before the campaign began. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs to Western Conference glory in his third year.

The magnitude of that accomplishment should not just disappear into the ether because the Spurs are heading to Madison Square Garden in a giant 0-2 hole. Yes, San Antonio possesses a wealth of talent, but superstars are not supposed to be competing for the Larry O’Brien Trophy this soon. They are supposed to take their lumps first. Wembanyama is taking his in the final portion of the season.

While the 7-foot-4 Frenchman has wobbled before in these playoffs, he looks completely outmatched against Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks. Despite a second-half explosion on Friday night, Wembanyama committed a potentially series-defining turnover in the final 10 seconds, followed it up with a costly foul and then missed the possible game-winner at the end.

Just as he is profusely praised for all his postseason heroics, The Alien is being profusely criticized for his postseason shortcomings. However, there is one thing people can point to that casts Victor Wembanyama in an overall positive light. Fans are playing the age card in the aftermath of a 105-104 Game 2 loss.

Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama gets some love after tough moment

“He’s 22, he’ll be fine, Same thing happened with {Jayson} Tatum,” @mothafokcharlie commented on X, comparing the Defensive Player of the Year’s NBA Finals inconsistencies to those experienced by the Boston Celtics superstar forward before he finally tasted championship success in 2024. “He’s 22 in year 3,” @mynameisfrank91 remarked. “By no means a finished product. this series has exposed some flaws, but he is still the guy every team chooses to build their franchise around.”

“Too much Wemby hate on the timeline,” @JwacReactions declared. “He’s 22. He carried that team back last night to even out them in a position to get a game winning shot. He’s gotta be more aggressive but let’s stop this narrative. “He’s 22 in his first playoff run ever and they are talking like he been trying for 10 years,” @RyanHatesLitter posted.

When an exceptional talent embraces the moment and stakes their claim as the MVP and face of the NBA, they are inviting a monsoon of scrutiny to their doorstep, but Wembanyama understands those consequences. And the All-NBA First-Teamer is willing to accept them, for he believes he has the ability and ambition to achieve ultimate greatness.

After taking a clear step forward in his second NBA Finals contest — 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting with nine rebounds, four blocks, two steals and four turnovers — Victor Wembanyama will try to put forth a complete effort in what should be a historically rowdy environment on Monday.

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