Victor Wembanyama says he’s not affected by New York Knicks fans throwing eggs at him.
Following the Knicks’ historic comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, fans were seen on video throwing objects at Wembanyama and his teammates as they returned to their team hotel. Footage shows an egg landing near Wembanyama, which he appeared to notice while turning around to fans before moving from the sidewalk into the hotel entrance.
However, the Spurs’ star center says he wasn’t bothered by the incident, perhaps determined to show that Knicks fans can’t rattle him as they continue to battle for an NBA championship.
“I didn’t really think much of it,” Wembanyama responded during Friday’s press availability. “I just saw that one video of the eggs. I didn’t see any other one.
“But it’s OK. I don’t dislike it,” he added. “Obviously, it’s not good at all. But it doesn’t bother me.”
The New York Police Department reported 15 arrests after Wednesday’s game, with another 41 receiving criminal court summonses, according to The Athletic.
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Asked by reporters if he knew eggs were among the objects being thrown at him and the Spurs, Wembanyama said he realized what had happened later on.
“We did hear some things, yeah,” he said. “I didn’t see any. I don’t have no idea. I think it was a bottle because it was like water on the bus. But I don’t know. I didn’t see anything.”
While his remarks might seem deliberately defiant, it’s certainly possible that Wembanyama was preoccupied with losing Game 4, crucial free throws he missed late in the game and squandering a 29-point lead. Perhaps he really didn’t realize what was being hurled at him.
Wembanyama and his San Antonio teammates hope to return to New York and face those hostile fans if they win Saturday’s Game 5 and force a Game 6 on Tuesday. If that happens, the Knicks’ NBA Finals opponents will surely face objects being thrown at them along with jeering, booing and insults.
And if the Spurs win Game 6 to extend the series to a decisive, winner-take-all Game 7, many New York fans will do their best to express their disapproval and rattle the 7-foot-4 star.
Obviously, no wants eggs thrown at him. However, Wembanyama may also realize that the display is an indication that he and the Spurs have infuriated Knicks fans enough to inspire such drastic actions. There may be some pride in that.
Wembanyama and the Spurs have to move on from Wednesday’s outcome as quickly as possible to focus on winning Game 5 — and ensuring that two more games are playe din this series. Dwelling on the defeat and what happened afterwards runs counter to that. Whether or not the team is able to shake off a crushing loss will become apparent soon enough.
Game 5 of the NBA Finals is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday from San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center.
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