Spurs’ Historic 29-Point Collapse Has Victor Wembanyama Saying What No Fan Wants to Hear

Victor Wembanyama doesn’t sugarcoat. The San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation, fresh off the most staggering collapse in NBA Finals history, admitted fatigue played a role in Thursday night’s meltdown against the New York Knicks. But he’s also adamant that’s no excuse — and the Spurs have already moved on.

The Knicks erased a 29-point fourth-quarter deficit to steal Game 4, 107-106, at Madison Square Garden. It was the largest comeback in NBA playoff history, a record no team wants attached to its name. San Antonio now trails 3-1 heading home for Game 5 on Saturday.

“Definitely a factor, but it’s the playoffs,” Wembanyama told reporters when asked about fatigue during Friday’s media availability. “Everybody’s just as tired. It shouldn’t even be a factor in the game. Now we’ve got two days between games. It’s not gonna be a factor.”

Wembanyama logged 42 minutes in Game 4, finishing with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks — but was visibly gassed in the final frame as the Knicks mounted their furious rally. The Spurs scored just 12 points in the fourth quarter after pouring in 97 through three.

Spurs insist they’ve turned the page

Despite the historic nature of the loss, San Antonio isn’t panicking. Wembanyama said the Spurs have already filed Game 4 away mentally.

“We’re very confident,” he said. “I wouldn’t say it was so hard to shake off. Harder than any other game before, by far for sure, but now we’re over it. It’s the playoffs. There’s no time to regret things for too long.”

The Spurs have yet to confirm any adjustment to their rotation, but with their season on the line, expect head coach Gregg Popovich to lean heavily on his All-Star center. San Antonio will need Wembanyama at his best — and freshest — to force a Game 6 back in New York.

For the Knicks, Game 4’s comeback was a statement. Jalen Brunson scored 18 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter, while Julius Randle added a crucial triple with under a minute left. New York now has a chance to close out its first title since 1973 on Saturday night at the Frost Bank Center.

The Spurs, though, have been counted out before. Wembanyama’s rookie postseason run has already silenced doubters. Now he faces his biggest challenge yet: proving this collapse won’t define his legacy.