Victor Wembanyama’s wistful reaction to Scotty Barnes’ All-Star Game winner
Victor Vembanyama is an extreme competitor and not even the straight All-Star Game that was once so beloved could stop it San Antonio Spurs star from giving a curse. On Sunday night, Wembanyama infused Team Saints with the competitive energy he’s had for years, even though they ultimately fell short of the 2026 All-Star Game finals after losing games to the USA Stripes and the USA Stars — with their loss to the latter particularly painful.
Against Zvezda, the world team lost by just two points, 37-35, in a game that went into overtime. In overtime, Scotty Barnes was the unlikely source to drill the game-winning 3-pointer — prompting the Spurs star to to react with such fury that it’s hard not to feel for him considering how seriously he took the game.
SCOTTIE BARNES GAME WINNING THREE 🎯 ⭐
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 15, 2026
Vembanjama was furious because the Stars needed a 3-pointer to win, and Karl-Anthony Towns and Danny Avdia inexplicably showed so much help to Jalen Duren’s layup that Barnes was open for a 3-pointer. While Barnes may be shooting 30.1 percent from deep on the season, this is not a good shot to give up given the timing.
Star Spurs’ anger is justified, especially when this loss forced them into a must-win situation against Team Stripes, who promptly lost by three.
Victor Wembanyama’s competitiveness is what drives Spurs
It doesn’t happen often that a star from Vembanyama’s caliber comes with his competitive edge and the ferocity on the hardwood to even bleed as he plays in the All-Star Game. But Spurs have counted their lucky stars over the past few years and are now ready to take the next step in their return to contention.
Vembanjama totaled 33 points in the 20 minutes he played, and would have been a shoo-in for the MVP if the World Team actually managed to win the game.
2026-02-16 02:12:00
