Victor Wembanyama saw NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hand Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the 2026 MVP award ahead of Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Monday. The San Antonio Spurs star was a finalist for the award, but Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the voting and earned his second consecutive MVP.
Wembanyama had his revenge and led the Spurs to a strong double overtime win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, 122-115. The 2026 Defensive Player of the Year had 41 points and 24 rebounds to give San Antonio a 1-0 lead.
After the game, everyone was curious about Wembanyama’s thoughts regarding the league giving SGA the MVP. A reporter asked the Spurs star if it felt personal for him after he lost in the race.
“Yeah, for sure,” he said.
Victor Wembanyama made sure to make a STATEMENT after watching SGA receive this season's MVP award. 👀 pic.twitter.com/ocCsNDQwfA
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) May 19, 2026
Wembanyama later disclosed that one of his career objectives is to earn the prestigious award. However, he isn’t satisfied with just winning it once and told reporters that he plans to be named MVP multiple times.
“It feels like, I still got a lot to learn, and I want to get that trophy many times in my career,” Wembanyama said.
"I want to get that [Michael Jordan Trophy] many times in my career."
Wemby is MOTIVATED to win @Kia NBA MVP! pic.twitter.com/GVSxefrXZd— NBA (@NBA) May 19, 2026
Although he lost in the MVP race, Wembanyama showed up big time for the Spurs in a much-needed tone-setting game. His teammates also acknowledge that he’s the best player in the world.
Stephon Castle Calls Victor Wembanyama “The Best”
© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Emotions were high for Wembanyama and the Spurs after a hard-fought battle. After the contest, the star big man was interviewed by Ashley ShahAhmadi of NBC. Spurs guard Stephon Castle went up to the star big man to let the people know what he thinks of his teammate.
“The best player in the [expletive] world!” Castle said.
Stephon Castle crashed Wemby’s interview to give him the highest praise! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/ONxpq1TkU4
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) May 19, 2026
However, Wembanyama downplayed what Castle said when he talked to ShahAhmadi. According to him, his teammates stepped up and answered the call, which is a major reason why they won the contest. He also said that it was needed for everyone to do their part after their star point guard, De’Aaron Fox, did not play due to a right ankle sprain.
The Spurs had six players who scored in double figures, including Castle, who had 17 points, six rebounds and 11 assists. The 2025 Rookie of the Year took over for the injured Fox, but he encountered a tough challenge against the Thunder. He had 11 turnovers, the most he had in his career.
Thankfully, the Spurs won, and the star guard can move on from it and focus on Game 2 of the series.
Related: Trae Young Reacts to Victor Wembanyama Leading Spurs to Double-OT Win Over Thunder