Victor Wembanyama came out aggressively early in Monday’s Game 3 NBA Finals clash against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, capitalizing on his massive 7-foot-4 frame.
However, the superstar center also got away with what many considered a dirty foul on Knicks star Jalen Brunson in the first quarter, sparking widespread outrage.
Victor Wembanyama Faces Fierce Backlash for Shoving Jalen Brunson in Spurs-Knicks Game 3
Trailing 2-0 after dropping Games 1 and 2 at home, San Antonio entered Game 3 in a near must-win situation. Wembanyama, who faced accusations of passiveness and poor shot selection in the Spurs’ back-to-back losses, asserted himself to begin the contest, relentlessly attacking the rim for dunks and an and-one finish.
Victor Wembanyama’s opening sequence to Game 3 against the Knicks:
Dunk
Dunk
BlockAn early statement from the Spurs’ young superstar. pic.twitter.com/vlXyxq6H95
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 9, 2026
The 22-year-old also let his emotions get the best of him in the first quarter, though, pushing Brunson in the back of the neck at the top of the key. The shove sent the 6-foot-2 guard tumbling to the ground. Still, no foul was called, with Brunson springing up and confronting Wembanyama.
Brunson frustrated at Wemby 😳 pic.twitter.com/0xd2HO78NV
— ESPN (@espn) June 9, 2026
MORE: WATCH: Knicks Fans Boo President Donald Trump Mercilessly During Game 3 of NBA Finals vs. Spurs
The no-call quickly caused a stir across the NBA community on X, with many questioning how the altercation was overlooked.
“Wemby BULLIED Brunson. No foul was called,” Barstool Sports captioned the play.
Wemby BULLIED Brunson
No foul was called pic.twitter.com/HrwCVKq9DN
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 9, 2026
“WEMBY JUST SHOVED JALEN BRUNSON LIKE HE’S A TODDLER,” content creator Ahmed/The Ears exclaimed.
WEMBY JUST SHOVED JALEN BRUNSON LIKE HE’S A TODDLER pic.twitter.com/OZtEe31PeA
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) June 9, 2026
“Referee staring right at Wemby giving Jalen a DDT, and does nothing about it. This is what we’re up against 💀,” Brunson fan account BrunsonMuse pointed out.
Referee staring right at Wemby giving Jalen a DDT, and does nothing about it.
This is what we’re up against 💀 pic.twitter.com/Ijk201wdAw
— BrunsonMuse (@BrunsonMuse) June 9, 2026
“Victor Wembanyama had one chance to show the whole world he played ethical basketball. Blown,” one Knicks supporter wrote.
Victor Wembanyama had one chance to show the whole world he played ethical basketball. Blown.
— grams (@gramsdidit) June 9, 2026
“I tried to be on the neutral side, but Wemby a lowkey dirty player ngl,” parody account LeBronchitis asserted.
I tried to be on the neutral side but Wemby a lowkey dirty player ngl pic.twitter.com/AL16MzkROV
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) June 9, 2026
“How is that not a flagrant on Wemby wtf?!?” NBA YouTuber Six Rings of Steel questioned.
How is that not a flagrant on Wemby wtf?!?
— Matt (@sixringsofsteeI) June 9, 2026
Wembanyama ended the controversial first quarter with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks, shooting 4-for-6 (66.7%) as the Spurs took an early 33-22 lead. However, New York responded with a 42-24 second-quarter surge to take a 64-57 halftime edge behind a combined 32 first-half points from Brunson and forward OG Anunoby.
