Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs fell short of their championship aspirations on Saturday night, losing to the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

With this 94-90 final score at San Antonio's Frost Bank Center, the Knicks clinched the franchise's first NBA title since 1973.

Despite this devastating championship loss, Wembanyama is still on the trajectory to potentially finish his career as one of the greatest players in NBA history. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman led his team to the NBA Finals as a 22-year-old superstar, earning unanimous Defensive Player of the Year honors in just his third NBA season.

Through his first 22 playoff appearances, Wembanyama averaged 23.8 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game.

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After the Spurs' loss on Saturday night, Wembanyama was asked if he takes solace in the fact that it took both Michael Jordan and LeBron James years to win their first NBA titles.

"It’s extremely painful. It’s painful, but I’m not running away from that. I’m using that to fuel me," Wembanyama replied. "I'm sure all these guys you named, they're not satisfied with being eliminated in earlier rounds or not making the playoffs, and I'm not satisfied with not winning."

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Jordan didn't secure his first championship ring until 1991, seven years into his NBA career. James recorded his first championship victory in 2012, nine seasons into his career.

While it's undoubtedly painful right now, Wembanyama has a bright NBA future ahead of him.