Angry Victor Wembanyama Blasts NBA Officials Over ‘Shoving’ Incident
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was furious after being shoved to the ground by LA Clippers centre Ivica Zubac during the Clippers’ 128-116 win on Wednesday night.
Wembanyama’s frustration over what he sees as unfair treatment and a lack of respect from officials boiled over late in the third quarter and carried into his post-match interview.
“So … it’s not even about Zubac,” Wembanyama said. “It’s just frustration, no matter who it was.”
When asked if he thinks he gets fair treatment from referees, Wembanyama bluntly replied, “No.”
The shove from Zubac was just the latest rough treatment Wembanyama has faced. Earlier in the third quarter, Zubac complained to the officials after his layup attempt was blocked by Harrison Barnes. The tension escalated when Wembanyama blocked Zubac’s dunk attempt with 4:49 left in the quarter, and no foul was called.
Zubac, clearly frustrated, was late in defence as Barnes scored a three-pointer to reduce the Clippers’ lead to 85-78. Moments later, Zubac rushed into the paint and forcefully hit Wembanyama in the back with his hip and elbow, sending the young star flying to the baseline.
Wembanyama quickly got up and charged towards Zubac, but he was held back by Spurs coaches and teammates. Clippers coach Ty Lue called a timeout immediately after the incident.
Reflecting on the moment, Zubac admitted he let his emotions take over.
“I reacted a little,” Zubac said. “I thought I got fouled on the previous play. I was mad at the refs. So, then I was late on Barnes’ three-point shot. I saw Wemby coming in, so I knew I had to box him out. I bumped him a little harder than I should have. I let emotions take over, but I apologised to him. That’s not how I want to play and compete.”
Zubac finished the game with 21 points and 22 rebounds, while Wembanyama had 23 points and 12 rebounds.
Despite the shove, the referees did not call a foul on Zubac or a technical foul on Wembanyama. After a brief discussion, they also decided not to review the play.
San Antonio’s acting head coach, Mitch Johnson, was unimpressed.
“I thought there were a few plays that should have been dealt with earlier,” Johnson said. “You’ll get reactions like that. To be honest, I’m surprised he hasn’t reacted like this before. He takes a lot of contact, and if the people in charge of the game won’t protect him, he will have to protect himself.”
Wembanyama admitted that the physical play is a challenge as teams try to limit his shooting and dribbling by pushing his 235-pound frame.
“It feels unfair sometimes,” he said. “We talk about it with the coaching staff. I have to be stronger and not settle for bad shots, but there is also work to do in talking to the referees and explaining myself.
“But I’m a basketball player. I’m here to play. That’s why it’s frustrating. It’s not my job to do politics.”
