Victor Wembanyama, the standout player from the San Antonio Spurs, found an unusual way to clear his mind before Game 3 of the NBA Finals. On Sunday, he spent time in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park drawing a statue of 19th-century actor Edwin Booth. This activity helped him overcome the disappointment of missing the buzzer-beater in Game 2 and refocus for a crucial performance in Game 3.
Wembanyama said, “I really tried to relax. The playoffs is like a whirlwind. It’s hard to put your head out of the water. I just need a little time off, let my brain cool down and recover.”
His approach paid off, as he scored 32 points and led the Spurs to a 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks. Wembanyama made an impressive start with nine points in the first five minutes, including an alley-oop and a dunk.
Coach Mitch Johnson stated that the team’s strategy wasn’t different for this game. “We never told Victor don’t shoot an open 3-point shot, even if it’s early in the game. We wanted to put pressure on the paint and the rim.”
Wembanyama demonstrated his skill on both ends of the court, significantly impacting the game in the final minutes. He set up Keldon Johnson for a layup that tied the score at 76, then hit a 3-pointer to give the Spurs the lead. Wembanyama scored first in the fourth quarter and made several important free throws.
Knicks coach Mike Brown acknowledged Wembanyama’s impact. “Wemby played great. He had probably seven lob dunks because we didn’t follow attention to detail and try to take that away.”
Wembanyama’s defensive prowess was also on display as he blocked Landry Shamet’s layup attempt with four minutes left, a crucial play that kept the Knicks at bay. He finished the game with eight rebounds, six assists, and three blocks.
Despite the pressure after missing the potential Game 2 winner, Wembanyama’s teammates and coaches showed confidence in him. Mitch Johnson advised him to keep shooting, ensuring the team wanted the ball in his hands during important moments.
Brown commented that the goal was to make Wembanyama work, hoping he would miss shots. He shot 11 of 18 from the floor, handling the New York crowd’s hostility with ease. When asked about becoming a New York villain, Wembanyama humorously compared himself to Trae Young.
With Game 4 approaching on Wednesday, Wembanyama has the chance to help the Spurs level the series at Madison Square Garden.
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