Down 2-0 in the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs walked into Madison Square Garden on Monday night and stole momentum back from the New York Knicks.
Victor Wembanyama dropped 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three blocks, and the Spurs walked away with a 115-111 win in enemy territory.
Stephon Castle added 23 points on 8 of 14 shooting, while De’Aaron Fox and Julian Champagnie each added 12 points, and Dylan Harper finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, and four assists off the bench.
But after the game, attention quickly shifted to a scene outside the arena.
Clips surfaced on social media showing Knicks fans attacking Spurs supporters outside of MSG. Fans who had made the trip to New York were met with violence and aggression instead of celebration.
The videos spread fast online, and on Tuesday, Wembanyama weighed in.
“I didn’t know that,” he said. “My thoughts, of course, is that, I mean, we can’t forget it’s a game. We’re just playing a game out there. And I am all for passion, but to the respect of each other. It’s unacceptable.”
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Throughout his young career, Wemby has never been shy to speak about things beyond basketball.
He recently refused a lucrative soda endorsement because he “doesn’t want to kill the kids,” and has previously spoken about wanting to use his NBA earnings to invest in environmental efforts.
Wembanyama also recently went viral after reportedly spending part of last summer training with Shaolin monks at a monastery in China, where he dedicated 6-8 hours per day to meditation, martial arts, and self-development.
He’s also organized community basketball and chess events, and openly discussed mental health, vulnerability, and personal growth.
At just 22 years old, Wemby has become increasingly vocal about health, culture, and social issues, and Tuesday was just the latest example.
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Attention now turns back to the court for Game 4 on Wednesday night at MSG, with tip-off set for 8:30 p.m. ET.
The Knicks need a win to avoid evening the series heading back to San Antonio.
