Wembanyama Escapes Foul Calls Twice as Knicks Seize Game 3 Halftime Lead

Wembanyama Escapes Foul Calls Twice as Knicks Seize Game 3 Halftime Lead

Victor Wembanyama avoided foul calls on two separate physical plays against New York Knicks guards during Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026, as San Antonio Spurs officiating drew scrutiny from those watching the series. The most prominent incident came in the first half, when the 7-foot-4 Spurs center placed his hand on the back of Jalen Brunson's head and pushed the Knicks guard to the floor near the free throw line. No foul was whistled, and play continued with New York in possession.

Brunson responded by immediately confronting Wembanyama, who appeared to smile before the point guard returned to action. A comparable sequence had occurred in Game 2, when reserve guard Jose Alvarado attempted to box out Wembanyama and was wrapped up and shoved clear of the play - again without a foul being called. The back-to-back incidents drew criticism from observers who argued the Spurs center should have been penalized on both occasions.

Despite the physical exchanges, both Wembanyama and Brunson posted productive first-half numbers. Brunson went 5-of-11 from the field for 15 points, adding three assists and one rebound, and was central to a second-quarter run that erased an 11-point San Antonio lead built during the first quarter. Wembanyama was 6-of-10 from the field for 15 points of his own, with four rebounds and three assists. The Knicks held a seven-point advantage at halftime after San Antonio had led 33-22 after the opening period.

The Spurs entered the second half facing a potential 3-0 series deficit in the best-of-seven contest. The Knicks, playing in front of their home crowd at Madison Square Garden, held the opportunity to move within one victory of a sweep, with Game 4 scheduled for Wednesday night at the same venue.