NBA fan who ran on court to take selfie with Victor Wembanyama receives ultimate punishment
THE fan who ran onto the court during Game 1 of the NBA Finals has been banned for life from all NBA arenas.
On Wednesday night, the New York Knicks secured a huge 105-95 road win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The physical showdown lived up to the billing, with the two franchises trading blows throughout as both Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama appeared to get hurt at various points.
Ultimately, the Knicks clinched the road win thanks to Brunson's 30-point showing, but one moment stunned those watching on as the game was halted when a fan ran onto the court and made a beeline toward superstar Wembanyama. Dressed in an all-black sweatsuit and bright pink Nikes, the fan sprinted from the visiting team's shooting end. It comes as the NBA investigates Spurs fans over sickening 'vulgar remarks' made to Jalen Brunson.
The fan, a minor, moved past half-court, and all the way to the opposing three-point line, where Wembanyama was being closely guarded by Knicks backup center Mitchell Robinson. The spectator obviously planned to take a selfie with Wembanyama and found his way to the NBA star before two security guards grabbed him and quickly took him off the floor.
He turned his phone camera to the NBA star, but Wembanyama never fully locked eyes with the phone. The Spurs center looked surprised, but generally unaffected as the fan was suddenly next to him.
The stunt for five seconds of fame backfired as 18,835 fans at Frost Bank Center booed the disturbance that barely even paused the game - and now the streaker, and the man who helped him get onto the court to perform the stunt, have been heavily disciplined by the NBA.
An NBA spokesperson released a statement, which read: "The individual who entered the court area during Game 1 of The Finals was arrested & will be banned for life from all NBA arenas. A second individual will also receive a lifetime ban for his role in the incident."
Play was stopped for about a minute before the game resumed with a jump ball. The fan was taken out of the court area through a baseline tunnel, and he will not return to an NBA arena for the rest of his life.
Meanwhile, the Knicks head to Game 2 with the series lead. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 18 points and snagged 12 rebounds, while OG Anunoby added 17 points. Josh Hart grabbed 15 rebounds and scored three points, but finished a remarkable +22 on the night.
However, the headlines belong to Brunson. He powered through knocks picked up in both the first and second quarter, but when asked about potential injuries, Brunson simply quipped: "I'll be alright."
The Knicks face the Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on Friday, June 5.
