Spurs guard shoves Knicks player during Game 5 of NBA Finals

A San Antonio Spurs player shoved a New York Knicks player from behind during a drive to the basket in the second quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Knicks player lost his balance and missed the shot. Officials immediately called a flagrant foul on the Spurs player.

The contact occurred while the Spurs held a 40-32 lead. The play was captured on video and shared on social media. It marked the second reported physical altercation involving the Spurs player in the series.

Earlier incidents In Game 2, the same Spurs player had an intense exchange with a Knicks player during the fourth quarter. During Game 5, the Spurs player scored five points on 2-of-8 shooting through the first two quarters.

Commentator reaction During the halftime broadcast of the Inside the NBA show, commentator Charles Barkley said the Spurs coach should consider benching the player in favor of two teammates. Barkley stated he is a fan of the player but added that the coach cannot worry about feelings during the game. The Spurs entered Game 5 after a 29-point comeback win in Game 4. The series remains ongoing.