Wembanyama’s “ethical basketball” comment after win over Thunder draws criticism from former NBA player.
SAN ANTONIO — When the San Antonio Spurs beat the Thunder in the 2025 West NBA Cup Semifinals, Victor Wembanyama made some interesting comments that some interpreted as a dig at the Thunder’s style of play.
“I’m just glad to be part of something beautiful,” he said. “Pure and ethical basketball.”
Those comments were thought to be aimed at the Thunder, thus adding more fuel to the budding rivalry fire between the two teams.
However, former Heat forward and now NBA commentator for Amazon Prime, Udonis Haslem, took issue with Wembanyama’s comments, saying he is whining himself to NBA success.
“You can’t whine your way. You can’t cry your way. You can’t beg your way to a championship. None of that. That’s not happening. I’m not sure if he is talking about OKC but I don’t want to hear none of that when it comes to OKC. Stop it.” Haslem said.
It is not clear whether Wemby was directing his comments at the Thunder. Still, he might simply have been reflecting on how he sees Spurs’ basketball played and enjoying it—more of a comment on his situation than anything about the Thunder.
Of course, his comments will be magnified, given that many see a Spurs-Thunder rivalry brewing.
Both teams are young, feature star players, are in the West, and are part of the Wemby-Chet Holmgren rivalry (if there is one), and the Spurs beat the seemingly unstoppable Thunder in the NBA Cup tournament.
Toss in Wemby’s “ethical basketball” comment, and many likely saw it as a shot at those who suggest the Thunder foul-hunt, thus tarnishing the game.
What do you think, Spurs fans? Let us know on X at KENS 5 and JeffGSpursKENS5.