NBA declines to upgrade foul on Wembanyama after shove of Brunson
The league reviewed but did not assess a flagrant foul on Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama for contact with Knicks guard Jalen Brunson during Game 3. The decision drew criticism from Knicks fans and prompted comments from Knicks coach Mike Brown.
nypost.comThe NBA reviewed video of a first-quarter play in Game 3 and decided against upgrading an uncalled foul to a flagrant foul on Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama for contact with Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. The contact occurred as Brunson stood near Wembanyama.
Wembanyama pushed the back of Brunson’s head, sending the Knicks guard toward the floor. No foul was called on the court, and the league’s post-game review left the play as a no-call.
statements NBA senior vice president of referee operations Monty McCutchen told ESPN the next day that a foul was missed on the play. Wembanyama entered the postseason with two flagrant points. A flagrant-two foul would have resulted in an automatic suspension for Game 4, while two flagrant-one fouls would also have forced him to miss a game.
series context Knicks fans expressed frustration on social media after the league’s decision became public. Several accounts described Wembanyama as a “golden boy” and questioned whether the league was protecting a high-profile player. " — Monty McCutchen, June 10, 2026 (ESPN) Knicks coach Mike Brown addressed free-throw disparity after the Spurs’ 115-111 win.
He noted the Spurs attempted 24 free throws in the second half compared with eight for the Knicks and said the imbalance would lower New York’s odds in Game 4. " — Mike Brown, June 10, 2026 (New York Post) Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
