Victor Wembanyama Reveals Gregg Popovich’s Blunt Message to Spurs Star After Game 1 Loss to Knicks

Victor Wembanyama has once again found himself in the hot seat. Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals didn't exactly go the San Antonio Spurs' way. Despite having home court advantage, the New York Knicks bested the Spurs, 105-95.

As a result, all eyes are on Wemby after a poor shooting performance on Wednesday. To be fair, Wembanyama did put up a double-double performance. He added 26 points and 12 rebounds. However, his poor shooting of 22.2% from beyond the arc and 28.5% overall contributed to the Spurs' loss. Wemby shared what Spurs legend Gregg Popovich told him via text.

"In the big lines, it was that I've been bad, and that I'm better than this," Wembanyama said about what Popovich texted him.

While only sharing the court for a brief while, Popovich had the chance to coach Wembanyama. While Pop may no longer be coaching these days due to his stroke in 2024, he couldn't help but give his former player some tough love to help motivate him.

Game 2 is set to take place on Friday. San Antonio will retain home court advantage before heading to New York in Game 3. Winning Friday's game will be crucial for the Spurs. Allowing the Knicks to take a 2-0 lead before heading back to their home court could spell disaster for the Spurs.

Victor Wembanyama Keeps His Head Held Up High Heading Into Game 2

Despite the criticism Victor Wembanyama is faced with after his Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks, it seems that the San Antonio Spurs star has kept his cool. Known for being an emotional player, Wembanyama remains optimistic heading into Game 2.

During a postgame press conference interview, Wembanyama explained what he thought the Spurs needed to do to even the series. Wemby believes that his team will come back better on Friday and isn't worried about potentially losing their second straight game.

"It's almost like I have to play normal, not even good," Wembanyama said. "Just doing the right things is enough. When we play bad, when I play bad, that's when we shoot ourselves in the foot. This is why I'm not worried. We are going to be so much better, I'm going to be so much better."

Heading into Friday's game, Wemby should try to keep his accuracy high if he wants to find success for his team. Before the finals commenced, Wembanyama was shooting an average of 51% from the field.

Another thing to keep in mind is the Knicks' Jalen Brunson. After Brunson put up 30 points on Wednesday, it's clear that the Spurs had difficulty stopping him. Even after Brunson got hurt twice in the game, he still came back strong to secure New York's victory.

With all that said, a more aggressive and accurate Wembanyama could be the key to the Spurs' success in Game 2.