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Spurs' Victor Wembanyama alleges unfair treatment by referees

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (C) and Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (R) had a physical competition Wednesday in San Antonio. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (C) and Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (R) had a physical competition Wednesday in San Antonio. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo

Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Victor Wembanyama said his charge at Ivica Zubac during a San Antonio Spurs loss to the Los Angeles Clippers was the result of building frustration from what he believes is unfair treatment by NBA referees.

The 7-foot-3 Frenchman made the comments when he met with reporters after the 128-116 setback Wednesday in San Antonio.

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Wembanyama totaled 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals for the Spurs. He also was called for five fouls. Zubac totaled 21 points, 22 rebounds and three assists. He was whistled for three fouls.

Wembanyama's charge at the 7-foot Zubac occurred with less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter. The exchange started when Zubac caught an entry pass. Wembanyama placed his hands on the Clippers center as he caught the pass.

Zubac then went up for a shot, which Wembanyama blocked. The Clippers center flailed his arms in frustration after not getting a foul call. He then raced behind the Spurs in transition, before running into Wembanyama's back and sending him flying to the ground.

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Zubac was not whistled for a four-point foul attempt for his run-in with Wembanyama. The Spurs' center got to his feet and raced toward Zubac, but teammates and coaches held him back.

"It's not even about Zubac," Wembanyama said. "It's just frustration, no matter who it was."

Wembanyama, the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, was called for 2.2 personal fouls per game last season. He averaged 2.1 personal fouls per game through 38 starts this season.

"It's a hard thing even to fight because it feels unfair sometimes, you know?" Wembanyama said. "Of course, we talk about it with the staff. There is some stuff I have to do to help myself, being strong and not bailing out shots, but also there is some work to do like talking to the ref and explaining myself.

"For me it doesn't feel like its something I should influence. I'm a basketball player. I'm here to play. That's why it's frustrating. It's not my job to do politics."

Zubac apologized to Wembanyama for the push.

"I reacted a little," Zubac said. "I thought I got fouled [on the previous play]. I was mad at the refs. So, then I was late [in transition]. I saw it [a shot] going up. I saw Wemby crashing, so I knew I had to box him out.

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"I bumped him a little harder. I let emotions take over a little bit, but I apologized to him. That's not the way I want to be on the court and compete."

Wembanyama is averaging 24.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.7 steals per game this season. His 3.9 blocks per game lead the NBA. The Spurs (20-24) lost five of their last six games. They will host the Milwaukee Bucks (26-19) at 8 p.m. EST Friday in San Antonio.

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