Victor Wembanyama's postgame exit sparks debate after Spurs' Finals loss
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 6:57 AM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Victor Wembanyama drew criticism for leaving the court immediately after the Spurs' 94-90 loss to the Knicks in the NBA Finals on June 15. His departure from the customary postgame handshakes has divided analysts. While Stephen A. Smith deemed it inappropriate for a star player, Jay Williams defended Wembanyama, arguing athletes shouldn't be obligated to engage in postgame greetings after tough defeats. Wembanyama expressed disappointment during the press conference, viewing the championship loss as a valuable learning experience. Analysts continue to discuss the implications of his actions in the wake of the Spurs' championship defeat.
- •Knicks won NBA championship, defeating Spurs 94-90.
- •Wembanyama exited without shaking hands postgame.
- •Reaction from analysts is divided on Wembanyama's actions.
- •He described the loss as a learning experience.
- •The event has become a major talking point in sports media.
- 4:54 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith tells Kendrick Perkins he ‘can’t have’ his latest opinion on Victor Wembanyama
- 6:57 AMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith blasts Victor Wembanyama over postgame snub, but not everyone agrees
"The San Antonio Spurs not shaking hands with the New York Knicks after Game 5 quickly became a major talking point from their NBA Finals defeat. Victor Wembanyama sat at the centre, with critics asking whether the Spurs had failed a basic test of sportsmanship after losing the series.
"Victor Wembanyama's quick exit after the Spurs' Finals loss sparked debate, with analysts divided over whether skipping handshakes was acceptable.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 4:54 PMStephen A. Smith tells Kendrick Perkins he ‘can’t have’ his latest opinion on Victor Wembanyama
The San Antonio Spurs not shaking hands with the New York Knicks after Game 5 quickly became a major talking point from their NBA Finals defeat. Victor Wembanyama sat at the centre, with critics asking whether the Spurs had failed a basic test of sportsmanship after losing the series.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 6:57 AMStephen A. Smith blasts Victor Wembanyama over postgame snub, but not everyone agrees
Victor Wembanyama's quick exit after the Spurs' Finals loss sparked debate, with analysts divided over whether skipping handshakes was acceptable.
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