Knicks furious with Wembanyama, Marbury: “He’s used to playing dirty”

The New York Knicks’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals left more than just disappointment on the scoreboard. The biggest talking point remains an incident from the first quarter at Madison Square Garden, when Victor Wembanyama shoved Jalen Brunson, sending him to the floor.

At first glance, the contact appeared to be a fairly obvious foul, but the officials allowed play to continue. The league later reviewed the play but ultimately chose not to take any further action against the French superstar.

The decision has divided fans, analysts, and former players alike. While figures such as Shaquille O’Neal and DeMarcus Cousins defended Wembanyama, former Knicks guard Stephon Marbury took a far more critical stance.

Stephon Marbury’s accusations

The former New York point guard did not mince words when discussing the incident, suggesting that the Spurs big man’s behavior falls outside the standards typically seen in the NBA.

Let me tell you something about Wemby. He’s an international player, and overseas they play dirty. We’re not used to that kind of basketball in America, like what we saw when he threw Brunson to the floor

Stephon Marbury

Marbury then escalated his criticism, arguing that a team should respond more aggressively after seeing a play like that.

If I see a player throw one of my teammates to the floor, in the next game I’m going to make sure he feels my presence. You have to respond with the same energy

Stephon Marbury

The Knicks didn’t like the incident either

Further evidence of the frustration inside the Knicks’ locker room came from Jose Alvarado, who addressed the situation when speaking to the media.

That’s not basketball. It’s something they need to look at. He got away with it this time, but it’ll be the last time

Jose Alvarado

The comment suggests that the Knicks have not moved on from the incident and may be prepared to make life more difficult for Wembanyama as the series progresses.

NBA admits the missed call, but no punishment for Wembanyama

Fueling the controversy even further was an admission from Monty McCutchen, the NBA’s Vice President of Referee Development and Training, who acknowledged on television that officials missed a foul on the play.

Even so, the league decided not to upgrade the contact to a flagrant foul. The ruling is particularly significant because Wembanyama is already under scrutiny: another flagrant foul during these playoffs could potentially result in a suspension.

The series now remains at Madison Square Garden, where the Spurs will have a chance to even things up at 2-2. After everything that has unfolded over the past few days, it will be interesting to watch not only the outcome of the game but also the level of physicality the Knicks choose to bring against Wembanyama.