NBA Finals refs miss flagrant foul on Victor Wembanyama, and he’ll be suspended if it’s upgraded
SB Nation • • sports
Key Points:
- Victor Wembanyama was at risk of suspension entering Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals due to accumulating three flagrant points, with one more leading to an automatic suspension.
- In the third quarter of Game 5, Wembanyama appeared to commit a flagrant foul by crowding Jalen Brunson’s landing space on a made three-pointer, but the referees did not call it during the game.
- The NBA can review and potentially upgrade fouls post-game, and if this foul is upgraded to a flagrant, Wembanyama would miss a potential Game 6.
- There is debate over the foul, as video angles suggest Brunson may have extended his leg unnaturally, which could negate the flagrant foul designation.
- The league previously declined to upgrade an earlier Wembanyama foul on Brunson, and many feel the current rule of four flagrant points leading to suspension is too strict for the playoffs.