Victor Wembanyama isn’t hitting the panic button after the San Antonio Spurs dropped Game One of the NBA Finals to the New York Knicks.
Despite a 105-95 defeat on Wednesday night, the Spurs superstar made it clear he remains fully confident his team will respond in Game 2.
“I was bad tonight. It’s not more complicated than that,” Wembanyama said.
The 22-year-old still finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks in his NBA Finals debut. Wembanyama became just the fourth player since blocks became an official statistic in 1974 to record at least 26 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks in his first Finals appearance, joining Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon and Elvin Hayes.
Wembanyama felt his impact wasn’t enough, particularly after New York erased a 14-point second-half deficit before closing the game on an 11-0 run over the final two minutes.
“It was quick,” Wembanyama said. “I think we let that one go.”
The Knicks controlled several key areas, outscoring San Antonio in the paint and generating 23 second-chance points. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson believed his star center needed to establish himself closer to the basket earlier in the game.
“I agree with the coach,” Wembanyama said. “It’s the same: Every team guards differently. I’m going to figure it out.”
Despite the disappointing finish, there was little concern inside the Spurs locker room.
“We’re excited for Game 2 because we know we can play so much better, and this just isn’t the game we’re used to playing,” forward Devin Vassell said according to ESPN.
Most importantly, Wemby doesn’t believe major adjustments are necessary heading into the next game.
“It’s almost not like I have anything to figure out. It’s almost like I have to play normal, not even good [in Game 2]. It’s just [about] doing the right things enough. When we play bad, when I play bad, is when we shoot ourselves in the foot. This is why I’m not worried. We’re going to be so much better. I’m going to be so much better.”
READ MORE: Steph Curry $400 Million Deal Left Draymond Green Stunned