Victor Wembanyama came out aggressively early in Monday's Game 3 NBA Finals clash against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, capitalizing on his massive 7-foot-4 frame.
However, the superstar center also got away with what many considered a dirty foul on Knicks star Jalen Brunson in the first quarter, sparking widespread outrage.
Trailing 2-0 after dropping Games 1 and 2 at home, San Antonio entered Game 3 in a near must-win situation. Wembanyama, who faced accusations of passiveness and poor shot selection in the Spurs' back-to-back losses, asserted himself to begin the contest, relentlessly attacking the rim for dunks and an and-one finish.
The 22-year-old also let his emotions get the best of him in the first quarter, though, pushing Brunson in the back of the neck at the top of the key. The shove sent the 6-foot-2 guard stumbling to the ground. Still, no foul was called, with Brunson springing up and confronting Wembanyama.
MORE: WATCH: Knicks Fans Boo President Donald Trump Mercilessly During Game 3 of NBA Finals vs. Spurs
The no-call quickly caused a stir across the NBA community on X, with many questioning how the altercation was overlooked.
"Wemby BULLIED Brunson. No foul was called," Barstool Sports captioned the play .
"WEMBY JUST SHOVED JALEN BRUNSON LIKE HE'S A TODDLER," content creator Ahmed/The Ears exclaimed .
"Referee staring right at Wemby giving Jalen a DDT, and does nothing about it. This is what we're up against 💀," Brunson fan account BrunsonMuse pointed out .
"Victor Wembanyama had one chance to show the whole world he played ethical basketball. Blown," one Knicks supporter wrote .
"I tried to be on the neutral side, but Wemby a lowkey dirty player ngl," parody account LeBronchitis asserted .
"How is that not a flagrant on Wemby wtf?!?" NBA YouTuber Six Rings of Steel questioned .
Wembanyama ended the controversial first quarter with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks, shooting 4-for-6 (66.7%) as the Spurs took an early 33-22 lead. However, New York responded with a 42-24 second-quarter surge to take a 64-57 halftime edge behind a combined 32 first-half points from Brunson and forward OG Anunoby .
