Wembanyama Stands Arms Crossed During Anthem Before Game 5

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama stood with his arms crossed during the national anthem before Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday night at Frost Bank Center.

The posture drew renewed attention after similar images from Game 1 spread on social media. Some viewers called the stance disrespectful, while others defended the French-born Spurs player.

Wembanyama was not visible on the court during ESPN’s anthem coverage before Games 3 and 4 at Madison Square Garden. Most Spurs players appeared to line up, but the broadcast did not show him.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said before Game 5 that the team had not spoken with Wembanyama about the issue. “Not at all,” Johnson said. “I think there are plenty of players that are not on the floor during the anthem. I don’t know if that’s habit, superstition, bathroom, whatever it may be. I don’t foresee anything looking into that at all.”

It was the first public comment from the Spurs on the matter. OutKick reviewed the first four games and found Wembanyama appeared during anthem coverage only in Games 1 and 2.

The Spurs trailed the Knicks 3-1 entering Game 5 and needed a win to extend the series. The Knicks had a chance to claim their first NBA title since 1973.

OutKick asked the Spurs, the NBA and ESPN for comment on the anthem appearances and received no response.