NBA reviewing missed foul on Victor Wembanyama shove of Jalen Brunson

NEW YORK — Referees missed a foul call on San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama after he shoved New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson in the first quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday.

With no whistle on the play, San Antonio maintained possession and continued its offensive sequence. A replay review appeared to show Brunson, who was defending and navigating through a screen, making initial contact with his left hand and grabbing a handful of Wembanyama’s jersey. Wembanyama then responded with a forceful shove using his left hand, striking Brunson in the upper back and neck area and knocking him toward the floor.

It remains unclear whether either player will face disciplinary action as the league reviews the incident ahead of Game 4 at Madison Square Garden.

NBA head of officiating Monty McCutchen said Tuesday that the league is reviewing the play and has the authority to retroactively assess a flagrant-1 foul. Under NBA rules, “unnecessary contact” can be classified as a flagrant-1 when it exceeds what is considered a common foul.

If the league upgrades the play to a flagrant-1, Wembanyama would not face a suspension. However, it could place him under increased scrutiny entering Game 4.

Wembanyama already has two postseason penalty points following a flagrant-2 foul in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid.

Players are allowed to accumulate up to three penalty points during the playoffs. If Wembanyama’s shove is upgraded, he would reach the threshold, meaning any additional flagrant in the Finals would result in an automatic suspension.

The sequence in question occurred away from the ball, with Julian Champagnie handling possession on the left wing while Landry Shamet defended. Brunson was involved in off-ball action near the foul line when the contact occurred.

Brunson was also assessed a flagrant foul earlier in the game for a closeout on a 3-point attempt by Champagnie. Officials ruled he failed to provide sufficient landing space for the Spurs shooter.

Following the game, Brunson declined to offer a detailed comment on the non-call.

“Whatever you saw is what you saw,” Brunson said.

A flagrant-2 foul, defined in the NBA rulebook as “unnecessary and excessive or reckless contact,” results in automatic ejection if assessed during a game.

The league is expected to complete its review before Game 4. -Field Level Media/Reuters