The NBA has issued lifetime arena bans to two fans following a courtside incident during Game 1 of the finals, while simultaneously investigating a separate altercation that left star guard Jalen Brunson visibly frustrated.
The first incident unfolded in the fourth quarter when a fan sprinted onto the court holding his phone aloft, making a beeline for Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs forward appeared to smile briefly as the fan attempted to snap a selfie before security moved in and removed him from the arena. The NBA announced Thursday that both the fan who entered the court and a second individual connected to the incident would receive permanent bans from all NBA venues.
Wembanyama took the disruption in stride, describing himself as more surprised than troubled by the encounter. "I've never been in that situation," the Spurs star said. "I didn't know how to act. It really surprised me, almost as much as that time a bat crossed the court."
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson downplayed any impact the incident may have had on his team's performance down the stretch, as San Antonio struggled through an 11-0 Knicks scoring run that helped New York secure a 105-95 victory.
The league is also looking into a separate incident from Wednesday's game involving Brunson. The Knicks guard grew heated with a group of courtside fans in the closing moments of the contest, prompting him to address crew chief Scott Foster both during and after play. Brunson, who finished with 30 points including 13 in the fourth quarter, has faced criticism this season from some supporters who believe he flops to draw fouls.
Game 2 of the finals is scheduled for Friday night in San Antonio, with the series shifting to New York for Game 3 on Monday.
Author James Rodriguez: "Fan behavior is reaching a tipping point in professional sports, and the NBA's swift action here sends a message that courtside antics won't be tolerated anymore."
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