Knicks Players Avoided Major Punishment for Game 3 Altercation
In Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs took their physicality to a new level with the New York Knicks, as an aggressive response to their first two losses in the series.
With that, the Spurs claimed a much-needed victory at Madison Square Garden, but tempers certainly flared, and Flagrant fouls with potential suspensions nearly occurred.
Much criticism arrived against Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama for his shove on the back of Jalen Brunson’s neck and head, which didn’t receive any foul or review from the referees.
The NBA later reviewed that incident, determining there wouldn’t be any punishment for Wembanyama, which is good news for his team. However, the Knicks also may have escaped punishment against several players for a separate incident.
More news:Stephon Marbury Calls for Retaliation Against Victor Wembanyama After Shove
At one point in the game, Josh Hart scored a basket for the Knicks, and Spurs’ reserve Luke Kornet rushed to get the ball so he could inbound it. However, Kornet collided with Hart while attempting to go out of bounds.
That knocked Hart down, prompting the Knicks star to take exception, believing it was an intentional shove from Kornet.
He quickly popped up to confront the Spurs player, and several teammates rushed over to intervene. However, Hart’s intervening teammates left the Knicks bench to do so.
Those bench players included Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson, and starter OG Anunoby, who had also been on the bench at the time the on-court incident occurred.
It became a talking point after the game on various podcasts, including “The Craig Carton Show,” where he suggested the Knicks “dodged a major bullet” with the NBA not suspending those Knicks bench players.
Carton mentioned that if the NBA followed its specific rule for players leaving the bench and going on the floor during an altercation, it would’ve resulted in suspensions for Alvarado, Clarkson, Anunoby, and Mohamed Diawara.
Spurs reporter Dusty Garza also tweeted about the Knicks escaping suspensions based on the NBA rule.
All of those players seemingly avoided significant punishment, most likely due to the incident not getting too out of hand or physical. Still, if the NBA applied its rule, it would’ve been a major blow to the roster for Game 4, especially with Anunoby, a top player involved.
The NBA may also be treating things extra delicately since they have seen a surge in viewership during the NBA Playoffs, including big numbers for the Spurs’ Western Conference Finals games, and these NBA Finals involving the Knicks and Spurs.
The Knicks have seen massive popularity during their playoff run, and the global appeal of a potential new emerging superstar in Wembanyama this postseason has been a major boost. Some believe that the league might even be protecting Wemby.
In San Antonio’s previous playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wembanyama had another incident where he elbowed Naz Reid hard near his neck, resulting in a Flagrant 2 foul and immediate ejection for Wemby. However, no suspension was given to the Spurs’ newest superstar after his first career ejection.
More news:Jalen Brunson Reacts to Victor Wembanyama Shove After Game 3 of NBA Finals
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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 1:35 PM.