The San Antonio Spurs had not reached Madison Square Garden on Wednesday before Victor Wembanyama heard the noise. New York Knicks fans booed the Spurs superstar as he made his way toward the arena prior to Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
Wembanyama heads to MSG with the Knicks holding a 2-1 lead in the series after taking Game 3. The Spurs can even the NBA Finals with a win Wednesday night, while the Knicks can move within one victory of a championship for the first time in 53 years.
The moment adds tension to a matchup already filled with bad blood. Wembanyama became a clear target after Game 3, when his shove on superstar Jalen Brunson sparked controversy and left Knicks fans frustrated.
The NBA posted the pregame clip on X, formerly Twitter, showing Wembanyama walking toward MSG while fans jeered him before tipoff.
“Wemby is on his way to MSG for Game 4 😤
🏆 SAS (1-2) NYK Game 4
⏰ 8:30pm/et on ABC”
Wemby is on his way to MSG for Game 4 😤
🏆 SAS (1-2) NYK Game 4
⏰ 8:30pm/et on ABC pic.twitter.com/pPj3Omt8bf
— NBA (@NBA) June 10, 2026
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The boos reflected more than standard hostility. New York fans remain upset that the NBA did not upgrade Wembanyama’s shove on Brunson to a flagrant foul. The ruling kept the French phenom clear of added flagrant trouble and turned his Game 4 arrival into an early pressure moment.
Still, the environment may not bother him. Wembanyama said earlier Wednesday that the toxic New York crowd atmosphere fires him up, making the clip more notable.
The Spurs lost Games 1 and 2 at home before answering with a 115-111 Game 3 win at MSG. The victory snapped New York’s 13-game postseason winning streak.
Wembanyama has averaged 29.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks through the first three Finals games, giving San Antonio a centerpiece capable of changing the series. Game 4 now gives the Spurs a chance to pull even, while New York’s fans made their message clear before he even reached Madison Square Garden.
The San Antonio Spurs had not reached Madison Square Garden on Wednesday before Victor Wembanyama heard the noise. New York Knicks fans booed the Spurs superstar as he made his way toward the arena prior to Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals. Wembanyama heads to MSG with the Knicks holding a 2-1 lead in the series after taking Game 3.