Knicks fans screaming about the league not retroactively upgrading Victor Wembanyama’s foul should actually be counting their blessings tonight.
Why? Because while they were focused on Wemby, I'm told the NBA league office was reviewing this entire bench clearing sequence and specifically the actions of Jose Alvarado who previously served a major three-game suspension for having been involved in a nearly identical bench-clearing incident in 2024 against the Miami Heat.
When the scuffle kicks off under the basket, several Knicks players leave the bench area in violation of the rules and Alvarado gets right in the middle of the scrum.
He is seen pushing, heavily engaged with both Luke Kornet and De'Aaron Fox, waving his finger and escalating the tension getting face to face with Fox.
Under the NBA’s strict bench-clearing rules, he is undeniably not acting as a "peacekeeper."
The Knicks players left the bench before San Antonio called timeout.
If the league had decided to apply the letter of the black and white law regarding bench conduct and physical escalation, as they have multiple times this season, New York could easily be down a crucial backcourt piece or 4 for Game 4.
Take the Wembanyama non-upgrade as a wash and be thankful, because the Knicks dodged a massive suspension bullet here. 🧵
#GoSpursGo #PorVida #NBAFinals
@spurs_muse He has to play better. We can appreciate him getting us here and where we will be in the future but still hold him accountable for bad decisions in this series
@SpursCulture Bad coaching, no aggression, outhustled, settling for 3s when their bigs are out in foul trouble and too many “fans” selling their tickets. Been a season ticket member since 2008 and that’s embarrassing.
@RealSkipBayless “undermanned”? You had the two time MVP and a coach that uses 1-11. Come on don’t start with the excuses. Just take your medicine like a big boy and keep it moving.
@ChadPSmith_ Playoff basketball is always physical. Each team has been physical with each other. I think fans on both sides have posted numerous examples of what you would describe as dirty play cheap shots.