The Oklahoma City Thunder won over the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, grabbing a 3-2 series lead and giving themselves a chance to make Finals appearances in consecutive years.
For the Spurs, the loss itself was bad enough. But it was what happened after the final buzzer, and the pattern that is quietly building around their franchise player, that should have San Antonio fans a little more worried.
Victor Wembanyama Warned by NBA After Skipping Postgame Media
GettyWembanyama Skips Media, Draws NBA Warning in Surprising Move
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania on X, the NBA moved quickly after the game to address what happened next.
“The NBA has warned the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama for violating media access rules. Wembanyama bypassed media obligations after Game 5 on Tuesday night.”
De’Aaron Fox was standing before reporters and talking when Wembanyama, without even saying a word to the press, allegedly just passed them and went right to the team bus.
What makes it harder to ignore is that this was the third time he skipped media during these playoffs. The first came after a concussion against the Trail Blazers, the second after his ejection against the Timberwolves. Both had clear reasons.
This time, there was no injury, no ejection, nothing to point to.
What makes it concerning for San Antonio is that their franchise player, the one they need most right now, is showing cracks at the worst possible time. Three media skips in one playoff run, a brutal shooting night, and now a league warning.
Whether something is bothering him physically, mentally, or both, the Spurs cannot afford to not know the answer with their season on the line.
What the NBA Warning Could Mean With Game 6 on the Line
GettyNBA Warns Victor Wembanyama After Skipping Media Duties, No Fine Issued
The league chose a warning over a fine, and according to Sam Amick of The Athletic on X, there was a reason for that.
“The NBA’s rationale for not fining Victor Wembanyama, and instead issuing him a warning, took into account that he’s considered a first-time offender on this front. That part is standard procedure, though I did think they might come down harder on him because of the magnitude of the moment (it’s…the West Finals).”
So the league gave him the benefit of the doubt this time. But with the pattern already forming, any repeat going forward would almost certainly carry a financial penalty.
Jimmy Butler and Dillon Brooks were each fined $25,000 in 2023 for doing exactly the same thing.
What makes the timing harder is the situation the Spurs are already in. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson did not hold back after the game. “He’s got to take more than 15 shots. Even with the free throws, he’s going to have to score more than 20 points, for sure. OKC did a good job. We’ve got to do a better job.”
Game 6 heads back to San Antonio on Thursday. The Spurs need their best version of Wembanyama, but between the shooting struggles, the league warning, and a coach who is clearly not satisfied, the questions around him are piling up at the worst possible time.
Spurs Get Concerning Victor Wembanyama Update Before Must Win Thunder Clash