The NBA decided not to retroactively review Victor Wembanyama’s action on Jalen Brunson during Game 3 of the Finals, so the San Antonio Spurs center will not receive an additional flagrant foul.
The play occurred during San Antonio’s 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks. Wembanyama pushed Brunson in the middle of the game, causing the point guard to fall to the ground. Brunson immediately stood up to face the Frenchman, as the game continued.
The league’s decision is especially important because Wembanyama only holds two points for flagrant fouls in these playoffs. The Frenchman had already been previously sanctioned after hitting Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves with his elbow in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals. According to NBA rules, a player is automatically suspended when he accumulates four points for flagrant fouls during the postseason.
Before the official announcement, Monty McCutchen, former referee and current head of NBA referee development and training, acknowledged on ESPN that the officials failed to call a foul in the action. However, he explained that to modify the decision after the game there had to be “clear and conclusive” evidence that justified elevating the infraction to flagrant.
With the league’s ruling, Wembanyama is free of additional sanctions and will be able to face the fourth game of the Finals without restrictions. Despite the loss, the Knicks maintain a 2-1 lead in the series.
Asked about the incident after the game, Brunson avoided delving into the controversy.
“What they saw is what they saw,” declared the New York point guard.
