Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs star center, left the court before shaking hands with his opponents after the New York Knicks won the 2026 NBA Finals in five games.
What happened?
The incident occurred after Game 5 of the Finals, with Wembanyama's actions being called out by Knicks reserve guard Jose Alvarado.
Alvarado expressed his disappointment, stating that he looks forward to competing against his enemies and shaking their hands after the game.
Why it matters for Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama's lack of sportsmanship has sparked controversy, with many considering it an unwritten rule to shake hands with opponents after a game.
Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson took a different approach, seeking out and embracing Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson immediately after the series.
What comes next?
The incident has raised questions about Wembanyama's behavior and sportsmanship, with some critics arguing that he should have made an effort to show respect to the team that bested him.
On 18 Jun, the Knicks won the series 4-1, with Wembanyama's actions being widely discussed in the aftermath.
The Spurs will look to regroup and improve for the next season, with Wembanyama's behavior likely to be a topic of discussion in the coming weeks.
Wembanyama's competitive nature has been praised by many, but his actions after the game have been widely criticized.
The NBA Finals loss was a tough pill to swallow for the Spurs, but Wembanyama's behavior has added to the disappointment.
The incident has sparked a debate about sportsmanship in the NBA, with many calling for players to show respect to their opponents regardless of the outcome.
Jose Alvarado's comments were made during a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, where he discussed the incident and expressed his disappointment.
Jalen Brunson's actions were seen as a classy move, showing respect to the Spurs and their coach despite the intense rivalry.
The 2026 NBA Finals will be remembered for the Knicks' dominant performance, but also for Wembanyama's controversial behavior.
The Spurs will look to bounce back from the loss and make a strong push for the next season, with Wembanyama's behavior likely to be a focus of attention.
The incident has raised questions about the importance of sportsmanship in the NBA, with many arguing that it is essential for players to show respect to their opponents.
The NBA community will be watching Wembanyama's behavior closely in the coming weeks, with many hoping that he will learn from the incident and show more respect to his opponents in the future.