OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 30: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder with a score of 111 to 103 to win Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 30, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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Cole Sullivan

By Cole Sullivan

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The San Antonio Spurs are set to open the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks on Wednesday after securing a thrilling Game 7 victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

Following the win, Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama went viral for showing his emotions. Wembanyama was seen crying after the hard-fought series, having secured a berth in his first NBA Finals appearance.

Not everyone agreed with the reaction, however. One of those critics was NBA legend Kevin Garnett.

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“Crying in the [expletive] Western Conference Finals. That was too emotional for me,” Garnett said. “He got four more games to try to get. You gotta go to the Finals now. ou still have to stay even-keeled right here.. And that trophy, that's cool, but I got a whole other sight ... That's how bad they wanted to beat OKC."

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Earlier this season, Wembanyama faced some criticism for showing emotion after a comeback victory and was asked why displays of emotion are sometimes frowned upon in sports.

“That’s a tough question. I think it’s first and foremost a fear of judgment, like this feeling that you have to act a certain way — social codes, I guess,” Wembanyama said. “Personally, I refuse to carry the burden of having to hide my emotions.”

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 30: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder with a score of 111 to 103 to win Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 30, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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One of the biggest criticisms of today's NBA is that some players don't seem to give maximum effort every night, whether that's because of their play on the court or the increasing trend of players sitting out games, which has become a major talking point around the league.

That's why someone like Wembanyama openly showing how much winning means to him can be viewed as a breath of fresh air.

More news: Spurs Legend Makes Stunning Victor Wembanyama Prediction Ahead of Finals

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