Stephen A. thinks the Knicks should handle Wemby’s aggression by… 🤯 | First Take

Wembanyama’s Physical Play and the Flagrant Foul Debate

Stephen A. discusses how Victor Wembanyama (the Spurs) has allegedly been getting away with physical play in the NBA Finals—particularly referencing a shove to Jaylen Brunson in Game 3. Sham Shirania reports that Wembanyama will not be assessed a flagrant foul for that incident, despite already having two flagrant points in the postseason.

Stephen A. and others note that players who accumulate four straight flagrant points face an automatic one-game suspension. He emphasizes that the shove/elbow-type contact was out of line.

Why Stephen A. Believes the Call Was Wrong

Stephen A. argues the foul should have been called as flagrant in real time, rather than being excused based on how the league reviews it later. He also criticizes the officiating, suggesting Wembanyama may be viewed unfairly in Game 3. Additionally, he criticizes the notion of complaining instead of addressing the physicality directly through play.

Impact on the Knicks: “Giving Them Juice”

Stephen A. believes San Antonio’s approach is giving the Knicks “juice” and extra motivation. The Knicks still lead the series 2–1, and they’ll be even tougher at home in Madison Square Garden.

He argues that if the Spurs are trying to rile up New York, that is not the right direction. Instead, San Antonio needs to regain control rather than create additional motivation for the Knicks.

Knicks’ Strategy: Match the Physicality

The discussion shifts to strategy. Stephen A. says the Knicks should respond physically themselves—especially since the Spurs initiated contact early. The Knicks, he argues, will have to match the intensity if they want to keep momentum from swinging toward San Antonio.

Wembanyama Performance Context

Stephen A. provides performance context on Wembanyama’s aggression and shooting output, noting that he was:

• Less efficient in the first half
• More effective in the second half, including improvements in:
  • Field goal percentage
  • Three-point percentage

How the Knicks Can Slow Him Down Physically

Stephen A. argues the Knicks should be able to slow Wembanyama through physical tactics, including:

• Screens/picks
• Disrupting his legs in post-up situations
• Assigning defenders in ways that wear down his lower body

Heated Segment: Tougher Knicks Leadership and Identity

In a more heated moment, Stephen A. suggests the Knicks need inspiration from tougher former franchise figures—specifically advocating that Charles Oakley be brought back around the team to challenge them to “get physical.”

The overall message: the Knicks must stop allowing Wembanyama to push them around and instead impose their own physical presence to prevent the Spurs from controlling momentum.

Presenters / Sources Mentioned (End of Subtitles)

• Sham Shirania
• José Alvarado
• Mike Wilbon (referred to as agreeing)
• Mike Brown
• Stephen A.
• Nick (referred to as “Nick” / “Nick’s José Alvarado…”, likely Nick Wright)
• James Dolan
• Charles Oakley
• Carl Anthony Towns
• Stef(on) Castle
• Dylan Harper
• Deon Vassel
• OG (mentioned as a defender)
• Larry Johnson
• Spreewell
• Marcus Camby
• Chad Hornegren (mentioned as “Outside of Chad Homegrren…”)