The NBA Finals spotlight keeps getting brighter; however, Victor Wembanyama does not appear interested in everything happening around it, with the series shifting to New York and President Donald Trump's attendance dominating headlines ahead of Game 3, another potential distraction has entered an already chaotic championship environment.
Nevertheless, anyone who hoped the star of the San Antonio Spurs would be swayed to join in with the hubbub was mistaken. No matter how much more expansive the arena for the playoffs becomes each day and the media coverage reaches unprecedented heights, it is clear that Wembanyama's mind stays on the game.
When discussing the upcoming Game 3 match scheduled for June 8, Victor Wembanyama was asked whether he felt that the extra media hype about Trump's attendance might have affected his mindset during the NBA Finals. The 22-year-old didn't need much time to answer.
"Not really. I think it could be. Isolating myself is something I've practiced over the years and I think I'm good at it so it's not a problem. This is something similar media wise, like the Olympics."
The comparison is telling. Before becoming the face of the Spurs franchise, Wembanyama experienced the intense spotlight of international competition with France. The Olympics brought worldwide media coverage, constant scrutiny, and endless storylines. In his view, the Finals environment isn't much different.
Nevertheless, anyone who hoped the star of the San Antonio Spurs would be swayed to join in with the hubbub was mistaken. No matter how much more expansive the arena for the playoffs becomes each day and the media coverage reaches unprecedented heights, it is clear that Wembanyama's mind stays on the game.
When discussing the upcoming Game 3 match scheduled for June 8, Victor Wembanyama was asked whether he felt that the extra media hype about Trump's attendance might have affected his mindset during the NBA Finals. The 22-year-old didn't need much time to answer.
"Not really. I think it could be. Isolating myself is something I've practiced over the years and I think I'm good at it so it's not a problem. This is something similar media wise, like the Olympics."
The comparison is telling. Before becoming the face of the Spurs franchise, Wembanyama experienced the intense spotlight of international competition with France. The Olympics brought worldwide media coverage, constant scrutiny, and endless storylines. In his view, the Finals environment isn't much different.
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