Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) passes the ball to San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) passes the ball to San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The NBA Finals usually bring drama, and this time, an uncalled play has taken the spotlight. Sports commentator Skip Bayless called out what he sees as favoritism by the league.
The NBA decided not to upgrade Victor Wembanyama’s uncalled shove on Jalen Brunson to a flagrant foul after Game 3. Bayless did not wait long to question the motives behind the league's review.
On June 10, 2026, Bayless posted his thoughts on X. “NO WAY WAS THE NBA GOING TO DO THE CORRECT THING AND UPGRADE WEMBY'S UNCALLED FOUL TO THE FLAGRANT ON JALEN BRUNSON THAT IT OBVIOUSLY GLARINGLY WAS. THE ALIEN IS NOW THE FACE OF THE LEAGUE, THE NEW RATINGS MAGNET, THE MOST PROTECTED PLAYER IN THE NBA. THIS IS EXHIBIT A.”
By calling the young center the "new ratings magnet," Bayless is pointing to a theory. He believes the league protects its most marketable stars to keep viewership high.
In the eyes of Bayless, a flagrant upgrade would risk disrupting the momentum of the entire Finals.
The NBA presented a straightforward explanation for the non-upgrade. Following a formal review by the replay center, a league spokesperson confirmed that Wembanyama would not receive additional penalties, keeping him at two postseason flagrant points.
Senior Vice President Monty McCutchen admitted that referees missed a foul on the floor. However, the league determined the physical contact did not meet the criteria of being excessive enough to warrant a flagrant tag.
The controversy comes from a physical sequence early in the first quarter of Game 3. Wembanyama intentionally shoved Brunson down to the floor. No whistle blew during live action, allowing play to continue.
This controversy was just the beginning of a much larger frustration that filled the arena.
Game 3 Physicality Adds to the Star Protection Debate
Game 3 was a physical battle from the opening quarter, featuring several controversial whistles on both sides. Including a hard forearm from Stephon Castle to Brunson's and a later flagrant call against Brunson himself for impeding a landing zone.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown criticized the officiating, pointing to a free-throw disparity in the 2nd half. The Spurs finished the night shooting 32 free throws compared to just 22 for the Knicks.
Brunson kept his response short when reporters asked him about the entire play. He noted, “Whatever you saw is what you saw.”
Because Wemby already carried two flagrant points, any upgrade would have put him close to a suspension. Critics argue that they wanted to avoid a situation where its biggest attraction was sidelined during the most crucial games of the year.
The Knicks still hold a 2-1 lead in the series, giving them a chance to push the Spurs to the edge of elimination in Game 4.
Was the league right to let the play go, or is there truth to the star protection narrative?
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Written by
Utsav Sinha
Edited by
Kaamna Dwivedi