Victor Wembanyama shoves Jalen Brunson’s face — then laughs at him — in heated NBA Finals moment

It didn’t take long for things to get testy on Monday night at the Garden between the Knicks and Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Victor Wembanyama was in the middle of it with a little less than five minutes left the first quarter when he aggressively shoved Jalen Brunson in the first quarter. 

The two were battling for position with the Knicks in possession when Wembanyama shoved Brunson on the back of his neck, forcing the New York star to catch his balance as he fell toward the court. 

Brunson immediately bounced back up and seemed to say something to the Spurs big man, who smirked and then turned his attention to Josh Hart. 

Victor Wembanyama shoved Jalen Brunson in NBA Finals Game 3.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) puts up a shot as New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) and New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) watch during the first quarter of NBA Finals Game 3 on June 8, 2026. Jason Szenes for the New York Post

No foul was called on that particular instance, but moments later, Keldon Johnson was whistled for a foul. 

ESPN broadcaster Richard Jefferson opined on air that the referees should have called a flagrant 1 on Wembanyama for his actions in that moment, and also mentioned how “Wemby’s laughing at it.” 

It wasn’t the only tense moment of the first quarter. 

Hart got called for a technical foul after Luke Kornet made contact with him under the basket. Hart shoved him back after getting up off the court. 

The Knicks ended the first quarter down 33-22.