Stephen A. Smith defends Spurs players amid national anthem controversy
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 4:32 AM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Following Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs face scrutiny regarding their conduct during the national anthem. Claims surfaced that players, including Victor Wembanyama, disrespected the anthem by not placing their hands over their hearts. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith refuted these allegations, stating that bowing heads is an acceptable form of respect. The Spurs lost 105-95 to the New York Knicks in the game, with Wembanyama contributing 26 points and 12 rebounds. As the team prepares for Game 2, their focus remains on improving their performance rather than addressing the controversy.
- •Stephen A. Smith rebuts claims of disrespect from Spurs players.
- •Spurs lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals 105-95 to the Knicks.
- •Wembanyama scored 26 points but struggled with shooting.
- •The team focuses on correcting fourth-quarter mistakes for Game 2.
- •Allegations arose after a video was shared on social media.
- 4:32 AMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith reacts to Spurs players allegedly disrespecting the national anthem in a viral clip
- 6:51 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith shuts down claims of Spurs players disrespecting USA national anthem during NBA Finals
"The San Antonio Spurs found themselves at the center of an unexpected controversy following Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals. However, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith quickly pushed back against claims that players had disrespected the national anthem. The…
"Stephen A. Smith pushed back on claims that San Antonio Spurs players disrespected the national anthem before Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 5, 2026, 4:32 AMStephen A. Smith reacts to Spurs players allegedly disrespecting the national anthem in a viral clip
Stephen A. Smith pushed back on claims that San Antonio Spurs players disrespected the national anthem before Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.
- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 6:51 PMStephen A. Smith shuts down claims of Spurs players disrespecting USA national anthem during NBA Finals
The San Antonio Spurs found themselves at the center of an unexpected controversy following Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals. However, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith quickly pushed back against claims that players had disrespected the national anthem. The…
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