Peter Okereke
Basketball fans and analysts alike have watched and reacted with a critical eye to the first career playoff appearance of San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama, prompting a response from the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.
After a thrilling 114-95 Game 5 win closed out their first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, Wembanyama was asked an interesting question about his preference to show emotions on the court.
The two-time NBA All-Star then responded to people who criticise him as a player and a leader, as per Spurs reporter Maxime Aubin.
“That’s a tough question,” Wemby said. “I think it’s first and foremost a fear of judgment.”
“Like this feeling that you have to act a certain way, social codes, I guess. Personally, I refuse to carry the burden of having to hide my emotions.”
Victor Wembanyama has shown several sides of his personality this season. From making a case for himself as an MVP candidate, speaking openly about the ups and downs of the regular season, and sharing his goals for the future, the Frenchman has stepped up as the Spurs’ leader both on and off the court.
As such, the prolific center is unbothered about showing emotions in the game despite the views of critics, instead seeing it as a strength rather than a weakness.
Now, following their victory over the Trail Blazers where he posted 17 points, 14 rebounds and three assists, Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs will now face the winner of the Nuggets-Timberwolves’ first-round series.
