Victor Wembanyama addresses controversial move that got him fined
Jan 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dribbles before their game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama on Sunday claimed he didn’t have any ill intent when he discarded an important game ball.
Wembanyama was fined by the NBA after hurling the game ball for Friday’s Knicks-Spurs matchup into the stands at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
The contest featured a career game from Jalen Brunson, who scored 61 points in a 130-126 Knicks overtime loss to the Spurs.
The Knicks needed to send a ball boy to retrieve the ball so that Brunson could get it back.
The Knicks sent a ball boy to retrieve Jalen Brunson's 61-point game ball and demanded Wemby get fined
Petty af pic.twitter.com/WK0YXuBXQc
— Spurs Culture (@SpursCulture) April 1, 2024
Wembanyama during his press conference Sunday was asked about the NBA punishing him for the incident.
“I remember players being fined for [throwing the ball into the stands], but they threw it always in a bad way. I threw it to make someone’s day,” said Wembanyama.
"I know players have gotten fined for throwing the ball in the stands before, but they did it with bad intent. I was just doing it to make someone's day."
Victor Wembanyama on been fined $25,000 for throwing the ball into the stands 🗣️pic.twitter.com/UcDKA2CJxO
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 1, 2024
Wembanyama likely didn’t mean to disrespect Brunson by discarding the game ball. Perhaps the adrenaline of pulling off a big-time win over a playoff team led to the moment.
Wemby also had a monster game in his own right. The Spurs star finished with 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 7 assists in the Spurs’ win.