From CBS Sports · · 1m
Wembanyama on NBA villain label
Spurs star explains why 'villain' label didn't bother him during NBA Finals.
In brief
Spurs star explains why 'villain' label didn't bother him during NBA Finals. Wembanyama says he ignored the 'villain' label after NBA Finals but admits he crossed the line between competitiveness and physicality. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Wembanyama's 2025-26 season
Wembanyama led the Spurs to the 2026 NBA Finals before losing to the Knicks in five games.
2026-27 season expectations
Wembanyama is the favorite to win NBA MVP honors, and the Spurs are the favorites to win the 2027 championship.
Fan perception shift
Wembanyama earned a 'dirty' label after clocking Naz Reid with an elbow and shoving Jalen Brunson in the NBA Finals.
60 Minutes interview
Wembanyama said he didn't care about the 'villain' label because he was focused on playing basketball during the Finals.
“No, it didn't because I'm not paying attention to this, during the Finals. I don't think any player on either team really is.”
Wembanyama's reflection
Wembanyama admitted he crossed the line between competitiveness and physicality but wants to better understand how to play without crossing it.
“It showed my limits more than anything else. Going out there, you need to play basketball. You don't need to beat the s, - out of people.”
The essence
Wembanyama says he ignored the 'villain' label after NBA Finals but admits he crossed the line between competitiveness and physicality.
