De'Aaron Fox Defends Victor Wembanyama From ‘Villain' Talk at NBA Finals
In the NBA Playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs’ young superstar, Victor Wembanyama, has drawn praise as a hero, but also a villain to others, based on what he does on the court.
A significant example arrived during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, when Wemby battled with Jalen Brunson as the New York Knicks ran their offense. The two players were wrapped up, possibly on a screen by Brunson, or defense by Wemby, but the 7-foot-4 center clearly shoved the 6-foot-2 Knicks guard from the back of his head or neck.
Based on footage, Wemby smiled about it as Brunson called out the aggressive move, which didn’t result in a foul. Some felt it should’ve been called a Flagrant 1 against Wemby, and the referees missed it.
Ultimately, the Spurs claimed a hard-fought 115-111 win in rowdy Madison Square Garden, behind San Antonio’s Stephon Castle and Wembanyama, who combined for 55 points.
However, that highlight, along with Wemby getting soundly booed and cursed at during Game 3, led to reporters asking the Spurs players about it during Tuesday’s media session.
Read more:Stephon Castle, Victor Wembanyama Make NBA History in Spurs' Game 3 Win
A reporter asked if Fox had noticed a change in Wemby from him “wanting to be well-liked” in the league to embracing more of a “villain role” on the basketball court.
“I don’t think it’s a villain role. If you get hit, you hit back. That’s life,” he responded. “Every time he rolls, he gets tagged, he gets hit. If he’s trying to set a screen, if he’s trying to box out, whatever it may be, he’s getting grabbed, he’s getting held.”
“It would be crazy for him to think he’s gonna get open by not hitting somebody, but that’s basketball. It’s gonna be physical. No one expects anyone to come out here and not have bumps and bruises or injuries, or all these things,” Fox said, adding, “I don’t think it’s trying to be a villain.”
He suggested that when a team’s physical with you, you have to go out there and strike first to make sure you’re setting a tone and fighting for the win. Fox didn’t discuss the specific non-call on Wemby’s shove of Brunson.
In the Spurs previous series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wembanyama delivered a hard elbow near the neck of opponent Naz Reid. After the referees reviewed it, he received a Flagrant foul and ejection from that game.
The league didn’t issue any fines or suspensions for the Spurs’ big man after that incident, and after the non-call in the recent game, they will review the play to issue a Flagrant foul to Wemby.
And those types of plays will eventually catch up to the Spurs star and cost his team if he continues to go too far with the pushing, shoving, and elbowing during his team’s games.
Game 4 between the Knicks and Spurs arrives on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden, where Wemby and his teammates are sure to draw loud boos, jeers, and heckling again as they try to even the series.
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 9, 2026 at 2:54 PM.