Spurs coach comments on Wembanyama's national anthem stance amid Finals struggles
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 2:03 AM
Last updated Jun 14, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama is under scrutiny as the team trails 3-1 in the 2026 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks. Critics have pointed to his actions during the national anthem in recent games, where he opted not to stand. Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson addressed concerns, suggesting that players often have varying routines during the anthem. Wembanyama was on the court for the anthem in Game 5, which is set to take place at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. The Spurs are looking to extend the series following a narrow Game 4 loss, where the Knicks overcame a 29-point deficit to win 107-106.
- •Spurs trail 3-1 in the NBA Finals against the Knicks.
- •Wembanyama did not stand for the anthem in Games 3 and 4.
- •Johnson suggested players have varied routines during the anthem.
- •Spurs aim to win Game 5 to extend the series.
- •Game 5 scheduled at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
- 2:03 AMYahoo Sports — ’Extremely Angry’ — Pundit Reacts to Victor Wembanyama’s Crossed Arms During National Anthem Before NBA Finals Game 5
- 12:55 AMYahoo Sports — Spurs HC Mitch Johnson Breaks Silence on Victor Wembanyama Skipping National Anthem Before Last 2 NBA Finals Games
"San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama has been getting some criticism for either not being on the court or how he’s showing up during the national anthem during the 2026 NBA Finals between the Spurs and New York Knicks. On Saturday night, though, Wembanyama was on the court at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
"San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama has received some criticism as the Spurs are currently down 3-1 in the 2026 NBA Finals to the New York Knicks. He received some heat as the Knicks rallied from 29 points down to win Game 4 107-106 at Madison Square Garden.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 2:03 AM’Extremely Angry’ — Pundit Reacts to Victor Wembanyama’s Crossed Arms During National Anthem Before NBA Finals Game 5
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama has been getting some criticism for either not being on the court or how he’s showing up during the national anthem during the 2026 NBA Finals between the Spurs and New York Knicks. On Saturday night, though, Wembanyama was on the court at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 12:55 AMSpurs HC Mitch Johnson Breaks Silence on Victor Wembanyama Skipping National Anthem Before Last 2 NBA Finals Games
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama has received some criticism as the Spurs are currently down 3-1 in the 2026 NBA Finals to the New York Knicks. He received some heat as the Knicks rallied from 29 points down to win Game 4 107-106 at Madison Square Garden.
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