Victor Wembanyama’s dominant performance in the San Antonio Spurs’ 122-115 double-overtime road win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals left the NBA world wondering whether he was motivated by his loss to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the 2026 MVP race.
A viral video clip from hours before Wednesday’s Game 2 clash showing Wembanyama’s reaction to the award presentation may have offered a clue to what went through the superstar center’s mind before his 41-point, 24-rebound masterclass.
NBA World Speculates on Victor Wembanyama’s Reaction to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2nd MVP Win
On Wednesday, an X user with the handle @j7zaza posted a 14-second clip showing NBA commissioner Adam Silver presenting Gilgeous-Alexander with his second straight MVP award in front of cheering Thunder fans while Wembanyama sat on the Spurs’ bench watching.
After Gilgeous-Alexander lifted the trophy, the video cut to the 7-foot-4 Frenchman, who finished third in MVP voting behind runner-up Nikola Jokić, looking disappointed and seemingly believing he should have won. The user posted the caption “Dawg” to convey Wembanyama’s possible mindset entering Game 1.
Dawg pic.twitter.com/nkdRAJCgGO
— ☕︎︎ (@j7zaza) May 20, 2026
The NBA community promptly reacted to the video, with Legion Hoops remarking on X about Wembanyama’s potential emotions when the award was given to his Oklahoma City rival.
“Wemby was absolutely LIVID watching SGA get his MVP trophy… it’s definitely personal 😳,” the account wrote.
Wemby was absolutely LIVID watching SGA get his MVP trophy… it’s definitely personal 😳
(via @j7zaza) pic.twitter.com/jrQKkNxguF
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 20, 2026
A Puerto Rican-born Indiana Pacers supporter suggested that Silver might have enraged the 22-year-old big man, prompting him to prove he is the real MVP in the West finals opener.
“Oh, man. That boy is out for BLOOD. Mr. Silver knew how to bring out the dark side of Wemby. He did this on purpose 😭,” the user asserted.
Oh man. That boy is out for BLOOD. Mr. Silver knew how to bring out the dark side of Wemby. He did this on purpose 😭
— HOOSIERICAN 🇵🇷 (@HOOSIERICAN787) May 20, 2026
The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft shot 14-for-25 from the field and 12-for-13 from the free-throw line, while posting 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks to help the Spurs steal home-court advantage against the top-seeded Thunder.
SEE ALSO: ‘Luka (Dončić) Would Never,’ ‘Fake MVP’ — NBA World Reacts to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Wild Playoff Stat
An NBA enthusiast noted that Wembanyama’s failure to win the MVP award could have awakened a different player who wreaked havoc in Game 1.
“That MVP trophy woke up a different Wemby, and I’m loving it,” the user wrote.
That MVP trophy woke up a different Wemby and I’m loving it…the game is the game
— Mr.West (@west_bernard) May 20, 2026
Meanwhile, another NBA supporter believes Wembanyama’s motivation to win Game 1 for the Spurs is part of a “crazy arc” that could make for a perfect movie or sports documentary.
— . (@dookiebettsss) May 21, 2026
Wembanyama will look to continue dominating and prove his critics and the NBA media members who voted Gilgeous-Alexander MVP wrong during Wednesday’s Game 2 showdown in Oklahoma City.