Victor Wembanyama Reacts to Becoming the Newest Knicks Villain
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama received boos ever since they arrived in New York for Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Outside of their hotel, up to Madison Square Garden, fans have heckled Wembanyama nonstop.
Despite the attention from the fans, Wembanyama has remained focus in his goal, which is to lead the Spurs to their first victory in the Finals. On Monday, he accomplished it, and San Antonio defeated the New York Knicks115-111. Wembanyama was active everywhere and had 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and three blocks on 61.1% shooting.
After the contest, a reporter asked Wembanyama about his thoughts on becoming the Knicks' latest villain. He entertained the idea, but said that he isn't on the same level as Washington Wizards star Trae Young.
"I guess," Wembanyama said. "I'm nowhere near Trae Young level, though."
Victor Wembanyama seems to be enjoying his new "New York's next villain" role, but pays homage to Trae Young.#NBAFinalspic.twitter.com/tcBnBCbRM5
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 9, 2026
Young became a villain to the Knicks and their fans after the 2021 NBA playoffs. He led the Atlanta Hawks to a 4-1 first-round series victory over New York. He also taunted the Knicks with his clutch shots, trash talk and his infamous bow to the crowd in Game 5 to seal the win.
Knicks Crowd Reacted Negatively on Victor Wembanyama's Shove on Jalen Brunson
Game 3 between the Knicks and Spurs was physical from the start, which led to an unfortunate play involving Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson. In the first quarter, the 7-foot-4 big man shoved Brunson to the ground, and the home fans did not appreciate the move.
What made fans more frustrated was that the officials did not call a foul on Wembanyama. It was replayed in the broadcast, but the officiating crew did not take the time to review the footage. Brunson had something to say to the Spurs star on the court, but he held back and did not escalate the situation.
No foul is called as Victor Wembanyama shoves Jalen Brunson pic.twitter.com/awN400ir13
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 9, 2026
The Knicks star was asked about his thoughts on the physicality from Wembanyama. He didn't speak much about it and just said this:
"Whatever you saw is what you saw."
Brunson, who had 32 points on the loss, did not complain much about what happened between him and Wembanyama. He remains focused in bringing his team together and bounce back in Game 4 on Wednesday. The Knicks still have home court advantage and will have the support of their fans at Madison Square Garden.
Related: Knicks' Jalen Brunson Sounds Off on First-Quarter Altercation With Victor Wembanyama
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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 3:56 AM.