Victor Wembanyama is unquestionably one of basketball's brightest young stars. In his third NBA season, he led the San Antonio Spurs to the Finals.

San Antonio ultimately lost the series to the New York Knicks in five games. Wembanyama earned several individual honors, including his first Defensive Player of the Year award and All-NBA selection.

The French-born Spurs forward opened the 2026-27 season under enormous expectations. The 7-foot-4 star was a preseason favorite to win the NBA MVP award, while San Antonio entered the season as an odds-on favorite to win the championship.

The postseason also marked a notable shift in how the public viewed Wembanyama. Once a widely beloved sports figure, he was increasingly cast by some as a villain.

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A series of on-court incidents fueled claims that Wembanyama had become a "dirty" player. One of those situations surfaced in the Western Conference semifinals, when his elbow made contact with then-Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid.

During the Finals, many Knicks fans grew furious at times over Wembanyama’s defense against Jalen Brunson.

Once viewed as a conquering hero, Wembanyama was quickly cast as a New York sports villain. But he insisted the criticism does not faze him.

"No, it didn't because I'm not paying attention to this ... during the Finals. I don't think any player on either team really is," Wembanyama told "60 Minutes" when asked about his portrayal as a villain in a clip released Thursday ahead of Sunday’s full sit-down interview.

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Although Wembanyama said he tunes out much of the noise, he does not appear eager to let the villain label stick. He added that last season’s playoff run taught him where to draw the line between playing with a competitive edge and going a step farther than he should, acknowledging that he crossed it at times.

VICTOR WEMBANYAMA ADMITS TO HARSH TRUTHS AFTER COSTLY MISTAKE AT END OF NBA FINALS GAME

"It showed my limits more than anything else. Going out there, you need to play basketball. You don't need to beat the s--- out of people. [laughs] If you wanna win, at least," Wembanyama said while reflecting on the lessons he learned from last season’s playoff run.

Wembanyama also drew public attention before some Finals games began. He was seen standing with his arms crossed during the U.S. national anthem before Game 1, but reportedly was not on the court for the anthems before Games 3 and 4.

He has not publicly explained why he stood with his arms crossed before Game 1 on June 3. Wembanyama has played in all five of San Antonio’s regular-season games this season, averaging 25 points per game.

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The Spurs return to action Saturday, when they host the Timberwolves.

I think I speak for everyone when I say that traffic jams are the absolute worst.

There is nothing more infuriating than coming home from work or driving to an event like a game or a concert and seeing nothing but brake lights ahead.

If you're anything like me, after the blinding rage wears off, you often wonder what caused the jam to begin with.

Usually, it's because some idiot missed his exit and decided to merge across six lanes of traffic or a college kid who's home on break was texting and driving before rear-endeding someone, but how about when a longhorn busts loose from the farm and leads the cops on a wild chase across a two-lane road?

What, you've never had that happen to you before?

MISSING 1200-POUND GIRAFFE GRACIE FOUND 2 WEEKS AFTER WANDERING AWAY FROM RANCH IN VIRAL SEARCH

It turns out several of the motorists in Putnam County, New York, were treated to a traffic jam of bovine origins when a four-year-old cow named Maggie caused a pileup when she escaped from the friendly confines of Little Cabin's Farm in nearby Carmel, NY.

The video is absolutely hysterical (mostly because I'm not the one behind the wheel) and features police cars and civilians alike trying (and failing) to wrangle the clearly agitated animal as she darts in between several stopped vehicles.

One of the civilians is even seen brandishing a tree branch to use as a whip to try and corral Maggie back onto the other side of the road.

While traffic is at a dead stop in the one lane, the oncoming lane has cars driving at full speed, and one of them even had to slam on their brakes as Maggie scampered back to the grassy shoulder.

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VIRAL VIDEO SHOWS MASSIVE BISON POPPING TOURIST VEHICLE'S TIRE IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

She's lucky some Kia didn't turn her into ground beef!

According to local news affiliate WABC, Maggie was on the loose for four days before finally being brought home, giving drivers all over Putnam County a reason to breathe easier.

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What's even crazier is that Maggie is also pregnant, which might explain some of her erratic behavior.

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All's well that ends well, though, and it's nice to know she's back on the farm where she belongs.

A father who swam out into the sea to help untangle a seagull from his fishing line drowned and died after an ocean current swept him away, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Atlanta area native Stone Romberg was fishing at his home in the Florida Panhandle when he noticed the seagull caught in his fishing line, Fox 5 reported.

The 31-year-old father of two swam out to try and untangle the bird, but his hook and the bird got stuck to his hand while he tried to help. As he tried to swim to shore, an ocean current carried him further out to sea where he tragically drowned.

"Our hearts are broken for everyone who knew and loved him," a GoFundMe set up for his family reads.

MOM OF 2 WHO DIED RESCUING SONS DURING BAHAMAS SNORKELING TRIP IS IDENTIFIED

Romberg was the manager of chair services at a local condominium complex and "was known by a lot of our owners and guests," according to the GoFundMe.

A Facebook page for his workplace also shared that he will be remembered "for his kind heart, hard work, and willingness to always lend a hand."

THREE MEN GET 158 YEARS EACH FOR MURDERING AMERICAN AND AUSTRALIAN SURFERS, DUMPING BODIES IN MEXICAN WELL

"His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed," the post also read.

The GoFundMe set up for his family, who relied on him for financial support, has raised $138,714 as of Thursday afternoon.

He is survived by his wife Taylor and his one-year-old and three-year-old girls.

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Romberg was an avid fan of SEC football and the Atlanta Braves, according to Fox 5.

What's a spending habit rich people have that is totally worth it?

As the loyal readers know, I am a big fan of Reddit. When it comes to places on the internet where you can find yourself going down deep rabbit holes, there's probably no place that beats Reddit.

You simply never know what you're going to find. There are plenty of crazy stories, history lessons and really cool military content on Reddit.

REDDIT THREAD ON LIFE CHEAT CODES GOES VIRAL WITH ADVICE ON FITNESS, SLEEP AND COMPOUND INTEREST

There's also plenty of debates and discussions, and that's what leads us here today.

Convenience habits of rich people go viral on Reddit

I was scrolling the r/askreddit subreddit early Thursday morning when I stumbled across and interesting thread title that caught my attention:

AMERICANS SAY THEY'RE BROKE. SO WHY CAN'T THEY STOP SPENDING SO MUCH?

What's a 'rich people' thing you tried once and immediately understood why they do it?

As someone interested in money (aren't we all, after all?), it was an instant click from me. The results didn't disappoint at all.

Let's check out some of the replies before breaking it down:

• I drive a Lexus. Oh, wait, it's 20 years old. Regardless I feel like a princess behind the wheel.
• Ordering groceries that arrive pre chopped, pre washed, and neatly portioned. I laughed at the price tag once, tried it during a burnout week, and instantly understood. It’s not buying food it’s buying back two hours of your Sunday so you don't spend it crying over a cutting board.
• Don't ever fly business class on a long haul flight unless you can afford to do it regularly. Once you know... economy sucks so much harder.
• Custom made clothes. Had a dress made for a special event. Fit me like a glove, looked perfect on me, and I felt like a queen. Would get my whole wardrobe custom made if I had them money.
• Flew private. Our organization has a small place and the pilots have to have a certain number of flight hours per month so we asked to fly to a regional meeting. I parked, walked in, waited for the plane to land, got a short safety briefing, then walked 30 feet to the plane and boarded. No one even checked my ID. I 100% understand why people do this. It was so so nice not to have to deal with airport parking, TSA, or loading a commercial plane (where I always fly cheap af).
• Hiring movers. Not sure if this counts, but I hired a moving company to move my stuff for the first time. Was like half a garage and a rooms worth of stuff. $500 later and it’s just where you need it to be. Parents divorced when I was young. They seemed to lease a new house every year, so lots of moving. Finally realized it doesn’t have to be a terrible process and I can just have someone else do it all and it’s so worth it.
• Flying first class. Apparently the difference between hating air travel and enjoying it is about six inches of legroom and a glass of champagne.
• What I'm getting from this thread is that flying is miserable if you're not rich
• I bought a bespoke suit. Made me look like James Bond. And ruined off the rack suits for me. You essentially don't want to wear anything else.
• Anything above economy for long haul flights. I just did premium economy and the difference was enough to nearly spoil me. I can't imagine how it feels in business and first.
• I bought vip packages to a music festival. Was like $10 a person extra with access to private lounge and things. I only did it for the great access bathrooms. That alone was easily worth it to me.
• Cleaning lady. Never did it myself, but I dated a woman with a cleaning lady. Picked her up at a messy home, had a nice time out, came back to a spotless home. Unbelievable experience. If I ever have money, cleaning lady.
• Went to the warmer states during the winter months.
• Taking a $40 uber right to my destination instead of having to take a bus to a train to a bus and walking several blocks.
• Eating at a really nice restaurant. I am talking about a Michelin star restaurant. I went to one on a work trip once.
• Hiring a moving company
• Having someone clean your house for you. I finally understand why rich people pay for convenience.

Now, as the readers also know, I'm a working class guy from rural Wisconsin. You grow up fast when you grow up in those harsh winters. Life doesn't have many luxuries and you learn to get by with what you have.

Having said that, I have tasted the high-life once or twice, and without question flying first class is the obvious answer to this viral Reddit question.

Are there much more expensive things rich people have access to? Sure, but flying first class is attainable for most people if they want it to be, and it makes the flying experience significantly better.

Not a little bit better.

Much better.

Taking a seat on a first class flight – I've always found Delta to be the best – and being immediately greeted with a snack and drink instantly makes the hellish airport experience better.

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It's almost impossible to go back once you've been in first class.

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What's your splurge item that wealthy people enjoy? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

The logistics surrounding the WNBA Finals have drawn almost as much attention as the compelling, hard-fought action on the court.

After negotiations reportedly described as "tense," the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries learned they would play Game 6 at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta on Thursday. The game will tip off at 12:30 p.m. ET, making it a matinee on the East Coast and a breakfast-time start on the West Coast.

Several Atlanta players downplayed the early start time, instead focusing on the task ahead. The Dream will look to keep their championship hopes alive and a find a way to force a decisive Game 7. Golden State took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series Monday. The 12:30 p.m. ET tipoff drew mixed reactions, including from the Dream organization, which viewed the compromise as less than ideal.

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In an open letter released Wednesday, the Dream suggested their concerns about finding a venue with enough capacity to host WNBA Finals games "did not receive the attention they deserved." The team also said that moving Game 6 to the early afternoon was "not what we fought for."

Dream owners Larry and Robyn Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair and Renee Montgomery said the team brought up concerns about potential scheduling conflicts months before the Finals started.

"Two months ago, when the WNBA finalized playoff dates and times, we raised concerns that the W Finals schedule conflicted with NBA games at State Farm Arena," the letter stated. "As we moved through the playoffs, we reiterated those concerns. Our concerns did not receive the attention, nor the urgency that they deserved."

All of Atlanta’s home playoff games this postseason have been played at State Farm Arena, the longtime home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. The venue can accommodate roughly 17,000 fans. For the past several seasons, the Dream’s primary home court has been Gateway Center Arena, which holds a WNBA-low 3,500 spectators. The Dream recently announced plans to return to State Farm Arena for all home games beginning in 2027.

The schedule changes have also affected the Hawks. Game 4 pushed Atlanta’s home game last Saturday against the Houston Rockets to 8:30 p.m., while Thursday’s Hawks-Cavaliers matchup will move to 8 p.m. to give arena crews time to prepare the building after the Dream-Valkyries game.

WNBA FINALS GAME 6, A POTENTIAL TITLE-CLINCHER, WILL BE HELD IN THE AFTERNOON ON THURSDAY

Game 3 was moved up one day, meaning all three WNBA Finals games played in Atlanta have needed some level of schedule adjustments.

The ownership group also suggested the scheduling issues may have stemmed from an assumption Atlanta would not reach the Finals.

"Perhaps it was assumed that the Dream would not make it this far. Perhaps, our place in the Finals was not accounted for. Whatever the reason, the reality is that we are here. We earned our place in the Finals, and our city deserves the opportunity to show up for its team."

The Hawks also host the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, effectively ruling out an afternoon home game Thursday.

VALKYRIES STARS TELLS FANS TO ‘CALL IN SICK’ FOR GAME 6 AS EARLY WNBA FINALS TIPOFF SPARKS FAN REACTION

"As much as we have great affection and nostalgia for Gateway Center Arena, we believed that our fans and the city wanted the opportunity to be a part of this historic series, and to see it played on a world-class stage," the letter continued. "That meant State Farm Arena."

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne described the decision to schedule Game 6 on a weekday afternoon as "the best of the bad solutions."

Shelburne reported that moving Game 6 to Friday and Game 7 to Tuesday was among the options discussed. Tuesday, Nov. 3, is also Election Day for the midterm elections. The Golden State Warriors, who share Chase Center with the Valkyries, have home games scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1, and Monday, Nov. 2.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised the sellout crowds for Games 3 and 4 and welcomed more fans for Game 6.

"The sellout crowds and extraordinary atmosphere at State Farm Arena for Games 3 and 4 were a tremendous success, and we’re excited to give thousands more fans the opportunity to experience Game 6 with a championship on the line," Engelbert said in a statement on Monday. "We thank the NBA, Dream, Valkyries, Hawks, State Farm Arena and USA Network for the collaboration and flexibility that made this move possible. We look forward to delivering another unforgettable Finals experience in Atlanta."

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This year's playoff dates were distributed internally to teams on Dec. 4, 2025, ESPN reported, citing sources. The WNBA, Dream, Valkyries, Hawks, NBA and broadcast partners held discussions over the weekend as they worked to find a solution, according to ESPN.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens urged employers and educators to "extend a little grace" to Dream fans on Thursday afternoon.

"Whether they’re at the game or catching a few moments on their devices, please allow them to be excited for our home team," he wrote in a social media flyer.

Despite the logistical challenges, the Dream confirmed Wednesday that tickets for Game 6 had sold out.