NEW YORK – Victor Wembanyama is stepping into the spotlight during the NBA Finals, and the San Antonio Spurs are fully supportive of their young star. In a crucial moment after a missed shot that could have equalized their series against the New York Knicks, Wembanyama, just 22 years old, remains unfazed by the pressure as the Spurs prepare for Game 3, trailing 2-0.
“There’s really no reason to overthink it,” Wembanyama stated on Sunday. “This is what I’m built for.” His confidence is admirable, especially considering he has been a driving force for the Spurs. He scored 26 points in Game 1 and led the team with 29 points in Game 2, showcasing his talent on the biggest stage.
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His teammate Keldon Johnson echoed this sentiment after Wembanyama’s near game-winner. “Shoot it again,” he said. “He’s our guy. From day one, he’s been our guy. He’s the engine offensively and defensively. You can’t make every game-winner, but you can’t make a shot you don’t take. And we’re living with that shot. Every day of the week, twice on Sundays, we’re living with Vic taking our game-winning shot because that’s our guy and that’s the belief that we have in Victor.”
The Spurs are feeling the urgency as they approach Game 3. Guard Stephon Castle noted that although the first two games were winnable, the reality of being down 2-0 has heightened their sense of urgency. “Our sense of urgency is probably the highest it’s been all playoffs,” Castle said, emphasizing the natural instinct to push harder after a loss.
San Antonio has faced adversity before, losing back-to-back games to Oklahoma City in the Western Conference finals but managing to win Game 7. The Spurs have not lost three consecutive games all season, which adds to their resolve as they prepare for the hostile environment of Madison Square Garden.
“If they’re not desperate now, I don’t know,” said Knicks guard Deuce McBride. “They know their backs are against the wall, and they’re going to have to come out and they’re going to have to fight. We’re going to be ready, we’re going to exceed that and we’re going to do everything we can do to bring home a win.”
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson has been analyzing the situation closely, focusing on how to improve after their previous games. “You dig into the film, you argue, beat yourself up,” Johnson explained. “You give each other feedback, figure out how to help the guys for the next game.” He recognizes the need to adapt and hopes that playing on the road could spark a change in performance.
With a 6-3 record on the road this postseason, including a significant win in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, Keldon Johnson expressed confidence in his team. “We can win regardless of where we’re playing at, whether it’s here, on Mars, away, home,” he said.
Center Luke Kornet added that the challenging atmosphere can be beneficial for the team. “All the adversity, noise and all that stuff just honestly helps you sharpen up and kind of focus even more on the basketball,” he said, referencing his past experience with the Knicks. “That kind of you-against-everybody-else-in-the-building atmosphere, the pressure kind of brings you together.”
As the Spurs face the gravity of the situation, history looms large: no team has ever lost the first two games of the finals at home and gone on to win the title. Veteran leaders are keen to keep the team focused on the present. “The only thing that matters is what’s in front of us right now,” forward Harrison Barnes said. “We can’t take last game and bring it into this game. You can learn from it, but I think the biggest thing for us is how do we focus on making the plays, focus in on just how to begin as a team and just going out there and just playing free.”
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