Source: NBA probes Game 1 fans' possible profane comments to Knicks' Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson of the Knicks against the San Antonio Spurs in Game One of the NBA Finals on June 3, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. Credit: Getty Images/Ronald Cortes
The NBA is investigating two fans sitting courtside during Wednesday night’s Game 1 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio and what they may have said to Knicks star Jalen Brunson during the game, a source confirmed.
Brunson approached referee Scott Foster while OG Anunoby was shooting free throws with 29.4 seconds left in the game and appeared to ask for him to take some action, pointing out the fans who were shouting at him. Brunson had a second heated discussion with Foster after the Knicks closed out their 105-95 win over the Spurs.
Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime and NBATV reported that the fans allegedly heckled Brunson and used profane language directed at the guard’s perceived flopping.
Brunson would not address the incident during Thursday's media access.
"I'm all good about talking about that," he said.
Brunson scored 13 of his game-high 30 points in the fourth quarter as the Knicks won their 12th straight game in the playoffs and took a 1-0 series lead.
Josh Hart was also asked about Brunson and his interaction with the fans.
"To be honest, I didn't even see what happened," Hart said Thursday. "I heard something about it. I didn't really see it. I don't know. He's always pretty calm, pretty composed. I'm sure the fans probably said something crazy to kind of get him going. Yeah, I wish I could answer that a little bit better, but I didn't see the interaction."
The NBA said on Thursday that it has given two fans a lifetime ban from all NBA arenas after a separate incident during Game 1. One fan ran onto the Frost Bank Center court during the fourth quarter and attempted to take a cellphone selfie with Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. Security moved in and removed the fan.
But the NBA said a second fan was involved.
“The individual who entered the court area during Game 1 of The Finals was arrested and will be banned for life from all NBA arenas," an NBA spokesperson said. "A second individual will also receive a lifetime ban for his role in the incident.”
