Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Charges At Ivica Zubac, Complains About Referees

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 07: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama charged at Ivica Zubac after Zubac knocked him down in the paint and received no call from officials. Wembanyama explained after the game that his frustrations were not specific to his Clippers opponent, arguing that referees have not been giving him a fair whistle early in his NBA career.

“So it’s a hard thing to fight, because it feels unfair sometimes,” Wembanyama said. “But of course, we talk about it with the staff and there is some stuff I have to do to help myself. First of all, being strong and not bailing out shots, but also there is some work to do. Talking to the refs, of course, explaining myself. But for me, it doesn’t feel like it’s something I should influence. I’m a basketball player, I’m here to play, and yeah, this is why it’s frustrating. It’s not my job to do politics.”

The incident between Wembanyama and Zubac occurred late in the third quarter when Zubac arrived in the paint late as Spurs forward Harrison Barnes drained a three-pointer. The Clippers center, who expressed his frustration with referees several times earlier in the game, hip-checked and elbowed Wembanyama with a running start, sending him flying out of bounds.

Wembanyama charged at Zubac as soon as he got up, requiring Spurs assistants to leave the timeout huddle and hold him back. The Clippers went on to win 128-116. Zubac scored 21 points and earned 22 rebounds, while Wembanyama finished with 23 and 12.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

There are several factors leading to more physical play against San Antonio’s second-year star. Wembanyama is a massive presence in the paint, naturally marking him as a clear target in a crowded space on the floor. He is also a focal point on an otherwise middling offense, forcing opposing teams to key in on him. His skinny frame and relative inexperience have led some of these teams to try rougher tactics.

Playing physical defense against big men isn’t a novel concept in the NBA; stars who make their names in the paint always have to deal with elbows and bumps and frustrating no-calls, especially early in their careers. Wembanyama is more than a post-up scorer, considered by some to be the most well-rounded prospect in NBA history. His path to superstardom remains the same, however.