A contentious non-call in Game 3 of the NBA Finals quickly became one of the night’s most debated moments, as Victor Wembanyama was seen making contact with the back of Jalen Brunson’s head during a physical sequence near the free-throw line. Brunson was trying to stay in front defensively when Wembanyama’s contact sent him to the floor, but officials chose not to blow the whistle.
Brunson immediately reacted and confronted Wembanyama after the play, as he was visibly frustrated by the exchange. Wembanyama appeared to smile during the moment, which only intensified reactions from fans inside Madison Square Garden and across social media. The moment also drew attention from high-profile spectators, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who was in attendance at Madison Square Garden for the matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.
However, not everyone viewed the incident negatively, as NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal offered a more supportive perspective.
"Keep doing it Wemby,” Shaq said. “Tell Brunson get your little a** out the way."
The play itself was part of a broader pattern in the series, which has featured multiple physical exchanges between the two teams. It also mirrored a moment from the Minnesota Timberwolves series, where Wembanyama was ejected for shoving Naz Reid.
Despite the controversy, Wembanyama delivered a dominant performance in Game 3, finishing with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. Through the series, he has been averaging 29 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 1.7 steals.
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