Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama reflects on ‘will’ needed amid 2-0 deficit vs. Knicks

The 2026 NBA playoffs have been just as much about dedication, hard work, and an unyielding desire to win as they have been about the skill level of the participants. More so than many years prior, it has been hustle, defense, and physicality that have led to wins. That hasn’t changed in the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.

The Knicks have gone up 2-0 while playing on the road because of a gritty style of play. Victor Wembanyama realized this and understands that it will take more than just making shots for the Spurs to come back from this deficit.

“The challenge [has] been mostly about willpower, the will to do it, and I feel like I’ll take a breather at the end of the season,” Wembanyama said.

“The challenge been mostly about will, the will to do it, and I feel like I’ll take a breather at the end of the season.”

Victor Wembanyama on taking a breather and the challenge of defending the Knicks

(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/L8kykYS3xP

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 8, 2026

While Wembanyama has put up huge numbers through two games, this hasn’t been an easy series for the former first overall pick. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson are defending him hard, and Towns gives Wembanyama tough looks offensively. The Frenchman hasn’t only guarded opposing centers, though. He has often been used as a help side rim protector, which has forced him to give constant effort and energy on defense.

Wembanyama has shown no signs of giving up, though. He is already one of the best players in the NBA and clearly wants a championship more than anything. Wembanyama will rest when the season is over, which he and the Spurs hope won’t come until the team becomes the first NBA Finals team ever to erase a 2-0 deficit that started at home.

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