NBA Announces Its Verdict on Victor Wembanyama’s Shove on Jalen Brunson After Investigation Ahead of Game 4

Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals had quite a few questionable calls. Many argue that the referees' decisions favored the San Antonio Spurs. While that argument should be taken with a grain of salt, there might be some truth to it. And now, after the NBA's investigation into Wembanyama's play, they finally have an answer.

In the first quarter of Monday's game, Victor Wembanyama pushed Jalen Brunson's head, nearly knocking him down to the ground. Many believe there should have been a flagrant foul call. However, to everyone's surprise, the play continued. The New York Knicks sought a review after the game. Unfortunately for them, NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that there will be no upgrade to a flagrant foul on Wembanyama.

"No flagrant upgrade on the uncalled foul of Spurs' Victor Wembanyama to Knicks' Jalen Brunson on Monday night, a league spokesperson tells ESPN," Charania wrote on X. "Wembanyama will stay at two flagrant points in postseason."

Despite the league's decision to leave things as they are, senior vice president of referee development and training Monty McCutchen admitted that a foul call should have been made on Monday.

"Senior vice president of referee development and training, Monty McCutchen, joined Malika Andrews on NBA Today this afternoon and admitted a foul should have been called on Wembanyama's shove to Brunson's upper body," Charania added. "No further action from the NBA."

While not confirmed, the clip shows that Brunson did have a fistful of Wembanyama's jersey during the play. Wemby simply pushed him away to escape Brunson's grasp. This could've likely factored in the league's decision for the no-upgrade.

That was not the only moment of physicality in the first quarter. In fact, Stephon Castle rammed his hand into Brunson's chest, sending the Knicks talisman to the floor. He fell hard on his back and took a few seconds to get up while grimacing in discomfort.

While that irked many, it sure managed to impress some as well.

NBA legend impressed by Victor Wembanyama's physicality in Game 3

With 4:46 minutes remaining in the opening period, Josh Hart was trying to find an open man. As Brunson posted Wemby up, he found himself getting shoved in the head by the big man.

Knicks fans didn't take Wemby's actions lightly and made sure to let him know how they felt about the play. The San Antonio Spurs star walked back to the bench with a big smile when he was subbed out.

Apparently, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal was also pleased with Wembanyama's physicality on the court. During the halftime show, Shaq praised Wemby for his actions, completely opposite of what many saw as dirty play.

"This is what you want to see," O'Neal said during the halftime show. "I like that move right there. You gotta let those little munchkins know. … Keep doing it, Wemby. Tell Brunson, 'Get your little a** out of the way. I'm not winning by tactics, I'm busting your a**.'"

After a couple of lackluster performances in Games 1 and 2, Wembanyama came alive in Game 3. He added 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals, while shooting 50% from beyond the arc and 61.1% overall.

If Wemby can consistently perform the way he did on Monday, the Spurs tying the series on Wednesday during Game 4 is a huge possibility.