Knicks Player Doesn’t Hold Back on Victor Wembanyama’s Controversial NBA Finals Move

Victor Wembanyama’s decision to walk off the court without shaking hands after the San Antonio Spurs’ heartbreaking NBA Finals defeat is still generating plenty of criticism.

This time, it came from one of the players who battled him throughout the series.

Jose Alvarado: ‘The Way He Did It Was Too Crazy’

New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado admitted he understands the emotions that come with losing on the biggest stage. However, he couldn’t hide his disappointment over Wembanyama’s actions after Game 5.

“I got mixed emotions,” Alvarado said. “I’m a competitor too, but I also stare my enemies down. I look forward to them and I shake their hand.”

The veteran guard continued:

“It’s a game. You don’t like the moment. You lost probably the biggest game of your career, but you’re going to have more moments. I feel like the way he did it was a little too crazy for me.”

Respect Between Competitors Matters

Alvarado and Wembanyama had several intense moments during the Finals, and there was no shortage of physical play or trash talk between the two teams.

Yet Alvarado made it clear that competition should stay between the lines.

“I loved how he competed during the game,” he added. “We’re fighting for something. Between the lines, I feel like anything is cool. Outside the lines, shake hands and call it what it is.”

Those comments suggest that even players who respect Wembanyama’s competitive fire felt his postgame exit crossed a line.

Fans and Players Continue to Criticize Wembanyama

Wembanyama faced immediate backlash after the Spurs lost the championship-clinching Game 5 to the Knicks. Cameras showed the French superstar heading straight to the locker room instead of congratulating New York’s players.

Meanwhile, Knicks star Jalen Brunson earned praise for embracing Spurs players and showing sportsmanship after securing the NBA title.

The contrast between the two reactions quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the Finals.

A Lesson for the Young Spurs Superstar?

At just 22 years old, Wembanyama remains one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, and many believe this painful Finals defeat could become a valuable learning experience.

His competitive spirit is unquestioned, but the criticism from both fans and opponents shows that sportsmanship still matters—especially on basketball’s biggest stage.

One thing is certain: Victor Wembanyama’s controversial walk-off isn’t being forgotten anytime soon.