Wembanyama’s Late Miss Puts Spurs in 0–2 Deficit Ahead of New York Leg
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San Antonio’s bid to even the NBA Finals slipped away in the final seconds Friday night when Victor Wembanyama’s 20-foot jumper bounced off the back rim, sealing a 2–0 series hole for the Spurs as the matchup moves to New York.
Final-minute breakdown
With San Antonio trailing by one, Wembanyama tried to trigger a go-ahead fast break but rifled an outlet pass that struck an unsuspecting Stephon Castle in the back. Moments later, the 7-4 rookie launched the potential game-winner, a shot teammates insisted they see him make “in his sleep,” yet the buzzer sounded before the Spurs could attempt another look.
“Am I going to regret it? Yes,” Wembanyama said. “Am I going to use it to fuel the next game? Absolutely.”
Coach unhappy with early touches
Head coach Mitch Johnson called it “not acceptable” that Wembanyama managed only four shots before halftime. After intermission, the French star erupted for 29 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, spearheading a comeback from 12 points down.
“We told him at halftime, ‘We need you to be aggressive,’” guard De’Aaron Fox said.
Castle’s turnover trouble returns
Castle, in his second season, committed four turnovers in 28 minutes. Johnson said the guard is leaving his feet too often while still deciding on a pass. Castle agreed, noting he sometimes “overthinks reads” and gets trapped deep in the paint.
Barnes urges teammates to savor the moment
Veteran forward Harrison Barnes, 34, reminded the young roster that Finals opportunities are never guaranteed. Barnes reached the championship round in his first two seasons with Golden State but waited 10 years for another chance.
“Every year you start at the bottom of the mountain, and health is a huge part of it,” Barnes said. “This may be the last time either team is here for a while. We don’t know.”
The series resumes next week at Madison Square Garden, where San Antonio will try to avoid a daunting 0–3 deficit.
Source: Hoops Rumors
