Wemby Reveals Message to Spurs Teammates in Video Ahead of Must-Win NBA Finals Game 5 vs. Knicks

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama says his message to his teammates is to focus only on the game ahead when preparing for a must-win Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.

"The first thing that should always be the case is believing," Wembanyama told Haynes ahead of Game 5. "Belief. But also the fact that we need to take it one game at a time, and we need to win the next 48 minutes. That's our job right now. That's all that matters.

"After this whole season, all 82 games, all 20-plus games of playoffs, all that matters is the next 48 minutes."

When asked if the Spurs were thinking about the fact that they needed to win three straight games, Wembanyama answered: "We know we can do that. We have to win the next 48."

Wembanyama and his team looked like they were on track to even the series at 2-2 during Wednesday's Game 4 in New York, which the Spurs at one point led by as many as 29 points.

The Knicks answered with the largest comeback in NBA Finals history as the Spurs struggled with shooting and turnovers in the second half.

Wembanyama missed two free throws with a chance to put his team up by three late in the fourth quarter. The Knicks ultimately won by one point to gain a 3-1 series lead and put the Spurs on the brink of elimination.

The Spurs will need more clutch shots from Wembanyama when the team fights to extend its postseason with a win when Game 5 tips off Saturday night in San Antonio.

If necessary, the Spurs will return to New York for Game 6 on Tuesday before working to force Game 7 back in San Antonio the following Friday.