The San Antonio Spurs are still alive in the Western Conference Finals, thanks to a monster performance from Victor Wembanyama in Game 6. But the victory came with a cloud of controversy, as fans and even some NFL stars accused the young phenom of crossing the line into dirty play.
Wembanyama dropped 28 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and added three blocks and two assists in a 118-91 blowout over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. With his team facing elimination, the 22-year-old All-Star delivered when it mattered most, backing up a fiery locker-room speech with a dominant outing on the floor.
“Just his approach after the game, the things he said in the locker room to us as a team — when you say all these things, then you back it up with actions, it kind of has an effect,” Spurs forward Harrison Barnes said. “As a leader being able to do that, being able to talk the talk and then walk the walk with play, that’s a rare combination.”
But while Barnes praised his teammate’s leadership, many observers focused on a first-quarter incident that reignited the whisper controversy from Game 5. In the opening period, Wembanyama appeared to tug at Thunder guard Lu Dort’s shoulder while both players ran up the court. The move didn’t draw a flagrant foul, but it didn’t escape the notice of fans — or NFL wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who called out the Spurs star on social media.
“The ‘ethical hopper’ is dirty. Is building a nice portfolio. Elbowing Reid, diving into SGA’s legs, ordering a ‘hit’ on McCain,” one fan wrote, referencing a laundry list of alleged incidents.
Another fan added, “Such a dirty player. Still can’t believe he didn’t get a suspension from assaulting Reid.”
The criticism isn’t new. After Game 5, a video showed Wembanyama whispering to teammates Mason Plumlee and Bismack Biyombo as he left the court. Moments later, both players committed hard fouls on Thunder guard Jared McCain. Many fans believe Wembanyama ordered those hits, though no official punishment has been handed down.
“I’m not sure that Biyombo was doing anything, but 100% yes Plumlee did,” one fan said. “Yes, the league should investigate this. No they won’t and even if they found something – nothing happens. No more than with the elbow in a throat.”
Others were less convinced. “I don’t know …maybe Wemby outta worry about playing closer to the basket or making more shots before we start whispering to henchmen to deliver messages,” another fan wrote.
Wembanyama’s physical style has drawn scrutiny all series, and the NBA already issued a warning for an unrelated media snub after Game 5. Now, with the series tied at 3-3, all eyes turn to Game 7 on Saturday night. Will Wembanyama stay focused on basketball, or will the controversy continue to boil over?
One thing is certain: the Spurs’ young star isn’t backing down from anyone. Whether that makes him a fierce competitor or a dirty player depends on who you ask.
