Victor Wembanyama's Flagrant Foul on Jalen Brunson Steals Spotlight in NBA Finals Game 5

Victor Wembanyama has made headlines for both good and bad reasons during this NBA Finals series.

The Spurs star found himself in the midst of controversy after he appeared to commit a dangerous flagrant foul on Jalen Brunson's three-pointer attempt during the third quarter of Game 5. Brunson pulled up at the top of the arc to launch his shot while Wembanyama reached out to contest it. As Brunson landed, Wembanyama's outstretched right foot seemed to make contact with his landing space, causing Brunson visible pain and prompting him to hobble off the court.

The referees, led by crew chief Scott Foster, declined to call a foul, prompting an angry Brunson and Coach Mike Brown to plead their case to the nearby official.

Here's a look at the contentious play:

The commentators on air observed, 'No doubt [Wemby] takes away his space on a closeout, should be a flagrant.'

NBA fans were quick to share their outrage on social media, questioning the officiating:

'Wemby really does get an unbelievable whistle.'

'Wow. Wembanyama stuck his foot under Brunson on a 3-pointer. Refs ignored it. If that's called a flagrant, Wemby would be suspended for the next game.

'I can't believe that wasn't a flagrant on Wemby. It's clear he was in Brunson's landing zone.'

The play is currently under review by the league office, with the possibility of a retroactive flagrant foul being assessed to Wembanyama, which could lead to a one-game suspension.

What makes this no-call even more egregious is that it could have significant consequences for Wembanyama if the referees had blown their whistle and called the flagrant foul. He would have racked up his fourth flagrant foul of the postseason, resulting in an automatic suspension per the NBA's playoff penalty rules.

This incident also brings up a comparison with a similar play from Game 3, where Brunson was called for a flagrant one foul while contesting a three-pointer by the Spurs' Julian Champagnie.

As Marc Stein noted, Wembanyama could still face a retroactive flagrant foul, which would suspend him for the potential NBA Finals Game 6.