In Game 3 of the NBA Finals, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama faced criticism for an aggressive move against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. During the first half, as the Knicks executed an offensive play, the two players became entangled. Wembanyama appeared to be attempting to fight through a screen or fend off Brunson’s jersey grab. Replay footage displayed Wembanyama delivering a forceful shove to the back of Brunson’s head and neck, nearly sending the Knicks guard sprawling.

Brunson quickly retaliated, confronting Wembanyama, who seemed to dismiss the incident with a laugh. Referees took no action, neither penalizing Wembanyama nor conducting a review for a flagrant foul. The match proceeded, and the Spurs managed a narrow victory at Madison Square Garden, winning 115-111.

This incident drew criticism from various analysts and former Knicks star Stephon Marbury. Marbury suggested that strong measures were necessary against the Spurs center. In a video diatribe that surfaced online after Game 3, Marbury labeled Wembanyama as “dirty” and expressed how the Knicks should respond on behalf of Brunson.

“Wemby is an international player. They play dirty overseas. We’re not used to playing dirty in America the way Wemby just threw Jalen Brunson. Now, if I’m watching film, and I see Wemby throw somebody on my team … then next game I’m gonna pop him in his rib cage so hard with my elbow that he’s gonna fall and drop to the ground and he’ll wish he never put his hands on me,” Marbury stated.

Marbury provocatively advised, “After you watch that film, what he did to Jalen Brunson… you better make sure you put that knife in his neck… next game.” While it’s uncertain if such measures will occur, Marbury is not alone in suggesting retaliation against Wembanyama in the forthcoming game of the NBA Finals.

Brunson’s teammate, Jose Alvarado, warned of potential repercussions ahead of Game 4. Analysts also proposed that the Knicks should respond aggressively. Marbury, a Knicks player from 2004 to 2009, is among former Knicks players visible during the team’s 2026 playoff journey. Other notable figures include Patrick Ewing, John Starks, and Walt “Clyde” Frazier, the latter being the only championship winner among them, with victories in 1970 and 1973.

Despite Marbury’s fervor for his former team, his suggestions might be ill-advised, especially with news of hostile actions by Knicks fans postgame towards Spurs supporters. The series continues with Game 4 scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.