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It was a tough first half for Victor Wembanyama on Friday night.
The San Antonio Spurs’ alien phenom scored just seven points in the first 24 minutes of Game 2 of the NBA Finals, and despite making up ground in the second half, it wasn’t enough for the New York Knicks to take a 2-0 series lead.
The refs sure seemed to lean toward San Antonio all night, and one moment in the second quarter helped the crowd’s case.
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San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama watches during the second half of game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Image Images)
With San Antonio up 37-32, Dylan Harper drove to the hoop but missed a contested shot and the ball remained in play. With the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama on the court, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he ever got an offensive rebound.
However, he was eliminated by Knicks guard José Alvarado, whose minutes are scarce.
Alvarado may have gotten away with some heavy contact upon initiating his exit from the box, but Wembanyama may have gotten away with a flagrant foul after wrapping both arms near Alvarado’s neck and tossing him around like a rag doll. Wembanyama then asked for a whistle on Alvarado, but never got it.
Wembanyama was also ejected for the first time for a flagrant foul in the Western Conference Finals.
New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado dribbles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Image Images)
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Wembanyama scored 22 points in the second half and increased in the fourth quarter, but it was all for naught after a costly turnover. After a rebound with less than 15 seconds left, Wembanyama threw a pass to a teammate who wasn’t looking and hit him in the back. Jalen Brunson was able to pick up the ball, draw a foul and make a free throw.
The Frenchman had the ball in his hands for the potential game-winning basket, but missed, giving the Knicks a thrilling 105-104 victory.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama reacts during the first half of game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Image Images)
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No team has ever won an NBA Finals after losing the first two games at home, although it is a small sample: only the 1993 Phoenix Suns and the 1995 Orlando Magic did the same.
