Victor Wembanyama delivered one of the most impressive performances of his career Wednesday night, but his reported comments after the final buzzer also attracted attention. Following the San Antonio Spurs' 112-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, Wembanyama approached Kyrie Irving and, according to social media reports that have not been officially verified, whispered, "Free Palestine."
The reported remark followed a remarkable night in which Wembanyama set career highs in points and rebounds, finishing with 52 points, 24 rebounds and eight blocks. The French star also made the decisive free throw, while Irving missed a potential game-winning attempt in the closing seconds.
This is not the first time Wembanyama and Irving have been linked to the Palestinian issue. In July, both players liked a social media post by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani calling on the federal government to enforce the arrest warrant against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and describing him as a war criminal. In the latest incident, according to Israel's Sport 5 channel, Wembanyama himself allegedly made the remark during a conversation with Irving.
Irving has expressed support for Palestinians over the years through public statements and symbolic gestures. He has appeared at a news conference wearing a keffiyeh, worn a bracelet bearing the words "Free Palestine" and displayed a necklace with a pendant shaped like a map of Israel in the colors of the Palestinian flag. Last month, he also explained his offer to pay a fine imposed on NFL player Azeez Al-Shaair, who appeared in a game with the name of Palestinian girl Hind Rajab written beneath his eyes.
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Victor Wembanyama delivered one of the most impressive performances of his career
(Photo: Ronald Cortes / Getty Images North America / AFP)
Beyond the reported postgame remark, Wembanyama's performance produced a series of extraordinary statistics. By halftime, he already had 29 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks. He became the first player since the NBA began tracking play-by-play data in the 1996-97 season to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in a single half. During one Dallas possession in the second quarter, he even registered three blocks in just 13 seconds.
His 52 points surpassed his previous regular-season career high of 50, set against Washington in November 2024. His impact on the result was equally striking: The Spurs outscored Dallas by 23 points while he was on the court but were outscored by 22 when he was on the bench. Despite his individual dominance, San Antonio still needed his free throw with 24.2 seconds remaining to secure its sixth consecutive victory.
Irving has expressed support for Palestinians over the years through public statements and symbolic gestures
(Photo: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
Speaking to ESPN after the game, Wembanyama reflected on both his performance and his team's mentality. "We wanted it more tonight," he said. Asked about his individual contribution, he added: "I'm trying to lead by example." Teammate Dylan Harper, who contributed 21 points, praised the dedication and discipline Wembanyama brings to practice every day.