Story perspectives

NBA Referees Miss Wembanyama Foul, No Penalty Issued

6/11/2026

Summary

McCutchen Defends Decision

Monty McCutchen, NBA vice president of referee development, said officials missed a foul on Victor Wembanyama’s shove of Jalen Brunson in Game 3.
The league’s review left the play unchanged and issued no retroactive Flagrant-1, fine or suspension.
Wembanyama stays at two postseason flagrant points, one short of the four-point suspension trigger.
Skip Bayless and Dan Patrick criticized the decision, saying it protected the star player.

Summary

Shaq Defends Shove

Shaquille O'Neal defended Victor Wembanyama’s shove as a legitimate message to the opposition.
DeMarcus Cousins agreed, saying big men receive leeway in playoff physicality.
De'Aaron Fox praised Wembanyama’s aggressiveness and urged the Spurs to retaliate when hit.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown criticized the missed foul call, linking it to lost momentum.
Josh Hart received a technical foul in the same quarter while Stephon Castle was struck without penalty.

History

Historical Context

The NBA first created the flagrant-foul rule in 1980-81 and expanded it in the 1990-91 season to award the offended team possession after free throws, with Flagrant 2 fouls triggering ejection and a $2,000 fine. That season saw 1,215 flagrant calls. Today, referee Monty McCutchen’s review of Victor Wembanyama’s shove and Shaquille O’Neal’s defense, criticized by coach Mike Brown, echo the league’s long-standing effort to protect star players.

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McCutchen Defends Decision

Monty McCutchen, NBA vice president of referee development, said officials missed a foul on Victor Wembanyama’s shove of Jalen Brunson in Game 3.
The league’s review left the play unchanged and issued no retroactive Flagrant-1, fine or suspension.
Wembanyama stays at two postseason flagrant points, one short of the four-point suspension trigger.
Skip Bayless and Dan Patrick criticized the decision, saying it protected the star player.

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