Longtime broadcaster Dan Patrick has turned his attention toward Victor Wembanyama, offering a harsh assessment of the Spurs superstar following San Antonio’s series defeat.
“I think Wemby got exposed in a variety of ways here,” Patrick said. “I think he came off as petty. I think he came off occasionally as a guy who would give a cheap shot. I didn’t like sort of how he ended the series. Go find Jalen Brunson. I mean, Jalen Brunson was all class.”
Patrick’s comments came after a Finals series that featured several heated moments involving Wembanyama. The Spurs star found himself at the center of multiple confrontations, including exchanges with Mitchell Robinson and a controversial shove involving Brunson that drew criticism from fans and analysts alike.
While many viewed those incidents as frustration from a young superstar competing on the biggest stage for the first time, Patrick saw something different. The veteran broadcaster repeatedly pointed to the contrast between Wembanyama’s behavior and the way Brunson handled the moment.
Brunson’s actions after the Knicks secured the championship only added to that perception. Before joining the celebrations, the Finals MVP made a point of seeking out Spurs coach Mitch Johnson for a handshake, a gesture that drew praise across the basketball world.
The Knicks star then capped off one of the greatest Finals performances in franchise history. Brunson scored 45 points in New York’s title-clinching victory, tying Michael Jordan for the most points scored on the road in a championship-winning Finals game. He finished the series averaging 32.6 points and was unanimously voted Finals MVP.
To his credit, Wembanyama acknowledged after the loss that there were lessons to take from the experience.
“This is the biggest lesson of my life, the biggest learning moment,” Wembanyama said. “I can’t tell you exactly what the lesson is. But we’re learning from that. I’m learning more than any other time in my life.”
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