The NBA Finals have been a tightly contested battle through three games. The upstart San Antonio Spurs, who survived the Western Conference ringer, are facing a more experienced New York Knicks squad trying to end a 53-year championship drought. However, at times, the series’ physicality has pushed the boundaries.
Game 3, in particular, featured several hard fouls and controversial moments, with Victor Wembanyama’s shove on Jalen Brunson drawing widespread attention. After the NBA opted not to issue any additional punishment to the Spurs superstar, Brunson’s sister, Erica, weighed in on the divisive decision.
Jalen Brunson’s Sister Reacts to NBA’s Ruling on Victor Wembanyama’s Game 3 Shove
Early in his career, the scouting report against Wembanyama was to try to be physical with the lanky 7-foot-4 big man. This year’s postseason run has brought about a change in that mindset, though. Wembanyama has responded to physicality with aggression of his own.
The two-time All-Star’s elbow to Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid in the West semifinals was the most blatant example, but Wembanyama also verged on excessive physicality during the conference finals, with the trend continuing against New York.
In Game 3, San Antonio bounced back from two disheartening home losses, with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year delivering his best game of the series thus far. Wembanyama’s 32-point effort catapulted the Spurs to a 115-111 road victory, but the story of the game became his shove on Brunson.
As the two got entangled at the top of the key in the first quarter, Wembanyama pushed Brunson in the back of the neck toward the floor, with the officials overlooking the incident. Replays showed the three-time All-Star grabbing the Frenchman’s jersey during the exchange, and the play was investigated further by the NBA.
The league ultimately shied away from handing out any penalties to Wembanyama. At two flagrant foul points due to his altercation with Reid, another would have put him in jeopardy of missing a game.
Understandably, the NBA wanted to distance itself from the possibility of arguably the best player in the world being absent from a Finals contest. But for the Knicks, the decision sparked immediate outrage.
The NBA reviewed this play and decided there will be no flagrant foul for Victor Wembanyama pic.twitter.com/CRsItTuiS8
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 10, 2026
Brunson’s younger sister appeared composed about the situation, though. Taking to X, she simply wrote, “We move.” Even though the action could have warranted an escalation and potential punishment, the Brunson family is trying to keep the focus on the court.
We move https://t.co/BoirrP3k7K
— Erica Brunson (@eribrunson) June 10, 2026
Leading 2-1 heading into Game 4 at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks have a golden opportunity to take complete control of the series. However, the team may need better production from its top player.
Through three Finals outings, Brunson has struggled mightily, scoring 82 points on a staggering 81 field-goal attempts. Moreover, he’s been a non-factor as a playmaker too, committing 13 turnovers while dishing just 13 assists.
While hot shooting from OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Landry Shamet, and Karl-Anthony Towns has been enough to give New York the series lead, Brunson remains invaluable if the Knicks hope to lift their first Larry O’Brien Trophy since 1973.
