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Victor Wembanyama entered the 2026-27 season as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, fresh off an All-NBA First Team selection and a top-three MVP finish.
His season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t go as planned, though. Wembanyama scored just 12 points on 1-for-13 shooting in a 116-104 home loss Tuesday, drawing fierce criticism from the NBA world.
The game marked a rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals. Wembanyama played 34 minutes, finishing with 13 rebounds, 3 assists, and 6 blocks alongside his 12 points.
He missed all 4 of his 3-point attempts, with his only basket coming on an alley-oop slam off a feed from De’Aaron Fox to close the third quarter.
Oklahoma City kept the 7-foot-4 center from establishing any consistency offensively. For a player who has become one of the league’s most difficult matchups because of his size and versatility, going nearly three quarters without a made field goal was an unusual sight.
It was also the worst shooting efficiency in a season opener by a player who had made the All-NBA First Team the previous season.
Legion Hoops described the performance in one word: “Brutal.”
Wembanyama’s off night also prompted comparisons with Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“The gap between SGA and Wemby offensively is legit massive,” one fan wrote.
Basketball Performances questioned Wembanyama’s MVP credentials after the disappointing start:
“Just can’t play like this as the MVP favorite.”
The criticism extended to the 22-year-old’s offensive repertoire:
“Year 4 Wemby really just Bol Bol with better defense and no moves,” one fan asserted.
“This is unethical … Cuz need a go-to shot! 7’6 & can’t make at minimum 5-10 layups/dunks?” another vented.
Wembanyama acknowledged his hesitation after the loss and suggested he had been overthinking his decisions on the court.
“I need to go back to playing the basketball I like … I’ve got no reason to be hesitant … I was indecisive. I might be overthinking it,” he said.
Despite his poor shooting, the Spurs’ franchise cornerstone remained active defensively. San Antonio mounted a second-half comeback attempt but ultimately couldn’t overcome Oklahoma City.
Wembanyama and Co. will look to bounce back against the Houston Rockets on Friday.
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