Overview
- Television audio and a short social video show Victor Wembanyama whispering the phrase “hard foul” to Mason Plumlee and Bismack Biyombo before they checked into Game 5.
- Both Plumlee and Biyombo then committed hard fouls on Oklahoma City guard Jared McCain late in that game, with Plumlee’s hit knocking McCain to the floor.
- The NBA reviewed Plumlee’s contact and upgraded the play to a Flagrant 1, and McCain was later reported to be physically fine.
- San Antonio responded after the controversy with a 118-91 Game 6 win to tie the series and force a deciding Game 7 in Oklahoma City.
- Wembanyama’s sideline instruction follows earlier postseason scrutiny for his physical play and raises the prospect of more league attention because televised hot mics and social clips have amplified the incident.