How Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Uses Adversity As Motivation

BusinessSportsMoneyHow Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Uses Adversity As MotivationByMark Medina,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. NBA reporterFollow AuthorMay 29, 2026, 01:31am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after a 131-121 victory against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)Getty ImagesOnce again, San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama exerted his dominance. Just like an old-school center, Wembanyama showcased his scoring skills in the post and his defensive presence at the rim. Just like a modern-day big, Wembanyama showcased his shooting range to open the game. On and on the highlight reels went until the Spurs ended with a 118-91 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. The outcome forced the best thing about the NBA playoffs: a Game 7 on Saturday. The play in between ensured Wembanyama’s Game 6 excellence with 28 points while shooting 10-for-21 from the field and 4-for-9 from 3-point range along with 10 rebounds and three blocks. That represented a much better version than what Wembanyama showed in a Game 5 loss with 20 points while going 4-for-15 overall and 0-for-5 from deep along with six boards and three blocks. The Spurs and the 22-year-old Wemabanyama surely expected that to happen after cementing himself as the NBA’s best two-way player in only his third NBA season. That also led to Wembanyama finishing third for the NBA’s regular-season MVP award. But Wembanyama didn’t just flex his offensive and defensive talent in G...