Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, newly crowned NBA Defensive Player of the Year, had a shootaround with teammates Tuesday morning ahead of Game 2 against the Portland Trail Blazers.Wembanyama set a Spurs playoff record with 35 points in his postseason debut Sunday, leading San Antonio to a 111-98 win. On Monday, he was named the NBAs 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player to win the award unanimously.>> Spurs Wembanyama named Kia NBA Defensive Player of the YearAt shootaround, Wembanyama told reporters what motivated him to prioritize defense.I had the reputation of not playing defense. That really stuck with me, Wembanyama said. When you play in Europe in a professional academy, like I did, you have one job when you start practicing with the adults you have to guard. You have to rebound and play defense. If youre not able to do that, you dont have a spot.He also recalled a moment from his early playing days that fueled his development.There was one interesting moment, he said. I was 14 or 15, I dont know. The opposing coach said, Oh yeah, hes an NBA prospect, but he cant play defense. Attack him. I took that personally.With two major NBA honors already, Wembanyama remains in the MVP conversation.Read also: Where to find Spurs murals across San Antonio as team chases sixth championshipKSAT Connect: Celebrate the Silver and Black in Spurs NBA Playoffs return