SouthernWorldwide.com – San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama narrowly avoided further disciplinary action after an incident involving New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Wembanyama’s actions could have led to a suspension under NBA policy, which mandates automatic suspension for players accumulating four flagrant foul points.
The play in question occurred in the first quarter when Wembanyama made contact with Brunson’s upper body as the Knicks guard attempted to set a screen. As Wembanyama turned, he pushed Brunson, causing the guard to fall backward. The referees did not call a foul on the play, despite vocal objections from the Knicks’ bench.
Sources cited by ESPN on Tuesday indicated that Wembanyama would not face a retroactive flagrant foul upgrade for the uncalled incident. This decision has generated significant discussion across the sports landscape.
Among those weighing in on the controversial play was President Donald Trump, who was in attendance at Game 3. Trump, a longtime observer of the NBA, shared his perspective on the officiating.
“I thought it was a very bad call. Absolutely. I thought it was a very bad call, personally. But I’m not the ref, you know?” Trump told the New York Post on Wednesday.
Trump witnessed the Knicks’ first NBA Finals game in 27 years from a suite, accompanied by his granddaughter Kai Trump. He was also seen seated next to team owner James Dolan, marking a historic moment as the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game.
The Spurs ultimately secured a 115-111 victory in Game 3, narrowing the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1 heading into Game 4 on Wednesday.
Reflecting on the closely contested series, Trump commented on the caliber of players involved. “Look, they’re pretty evenly matched, right? It’s two great teams. I’ll tell you, that Brunson is some player,” he stated. “I think Brunson is amazing, [Stephon] Castle [of the Spurs] is amazing, Wemby is amazing, [Karl-Anthony] Towns [of the Knicks] is amazing. They’re like great players. That’s why they’re there, right?”
A native New Yorker, Trump has a history of attending sporting events, often sitting courtside before his political career. He acknowledged his roots, noting, “If you grow up in New York, you’re a Knick fan.”
The star power at Madison Square Garden extended beyond the court, with global music icon Taylor Swift, who is engaged to NFL star Travis Kelce, also gracing the celebrity row on Wednesday.
The Spurs demonstrated a strong performance in the early stages of Game 3, mirroring their start in the previous game. They established a commanding 41-22 lead by the end of the first quarter. Wembanyama led San Antonio’s offensive charge with 13 points in the opening period, while OG Anunoby contributed seven points for the Knicks.
