There’s no turning off Victor Wembanyama’s competitive juices — even in the All-Star Game.
Wembanyama was captured on the NBC broadcast of Sunday’s All-Star Game festivities visibly upset after Scottie Barnes drilled the game-winning shot for Team Stars at the Intuit Dome.
Barnes shot a game-winning 3-pointer to hand the U.S. squad a win in the new All-Star Game format, USA vs. World, which appeared to be a positive step for the NBA as it has been searching for a more competitive ASG format.
Wembanyama embodied a much more competitive All-Star Game, which saw him raise his hands in frustration after Barnes’ shot went through the hoop. A defensive breakdown by Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns and his World squad left Barnes wide open, with Team Stars needing a 3-pointer to win the game in overtime.
“It was our second time allowing a 3 when we shouldn’t have in the game,” Wembanyama told reporters about the moment. “It’s really one quarter. I mean I would have expected us to be smarter right here, so it was disappointing. … It’s a game we love. It’s a game I personally cherish, so being competitive is the least I can do.”
Wembanyama finished the game against Team Stars with 14 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field and 2-of-2 from 3-point range, but it wasn’t enough.
“When we’re up three, not giving up a 3-pointer to tie the game,” Norman Powell said afterward about the closing sequence. It’s gonna be the attention to detail, it’s on defense, if we’re gonna compete on every single possession.”
The Spurs’ star’s competitiveness was praised by his fellow All-Stars, with Anthony Edwards telling reporters that Wembanyama had “set the tone.”
“It was definitely competitive with all three teams. I feel like the old heads played hard, too. They were playing real good defense. But yeah, he set the tone, man. It woke me up for sure,” Edwards said.
It was a feeling echoed by Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
“I think Wemby’s a leader,” Brunson said. “The way he carries himself is fantastic for this game. I think he’s done a great job and you see what his impact is on and off the court around this game.”
Team Stars beat Team Stripes 47-21 to win the new USA vs. World All-Star Tournament championship.
