Chris Russo Criticizes Victor Wembanyama for Shove on Jalen Brunson in NBA Finals Game 3
ESPN analyst Chris Russo condemned Victor Wembanyama for shoving Jalen Brunson during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, calling it a "dirty play" that should have drawn at least a flagrant foul. The incident occurred in the first quarter when Brunson attempted to set a screen on the 7-foot-4 Spurs star, who responded by pushing Brunson to the ground; no foul was initially called despite NBA referee development officials later saying a normal foul should have been assessed. Russo argued the uncalled play could energize the Knicks while the Spurs trailed 2-1 in the series.
During Wednesday's "First Take," ESPN's Chris Russo criticized Victor Wembanyama for shoving Jalen Brunson in the back of the head during Monday night's Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The incident occurred with 4:44 remaining in the first quarter when Brunson set a screen on Wembanyama near the free-throw line; Wembanyama responded by pushing Brunson to the ground. Despite immediate protests from the Knicks, no foul was called on the play. NBA senior vice president of referee development Monty McCutchen later told ESPN that at least a normal foul should have been assessed, though the league did not retroactively assign a flagrant foul. Russo argued that the uncalled play was strategically damaging for the Spurs, who trailed 2-1 in the series, as it would motivate the Knicks heading into Game 4. Wembanyama currently has two flagrant points this postseason; a flagrant foul would have given him three, approaching the four-point suspension threshold.
What's missing
The article does not provide Wembanyama's or the Spurs' official response to the incident or Russo's criticism. Additionally, no broader context is given about whether similar plays have been called or not called in recent NBA Finals history.
What different sources said
- New York PostRight
Chris Russo slams Victor Wembanyama for ‘dirty’ Jalen Brunson shove: ‘Out of line’
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