A brutal night for Victor Wembanyama continued even after he returned to his New York hotel on Wednesday, as he was pelted with boos from jeering Knicks fans and nearly struck by a flying egg.
A video shared online showed at least one egg tossed in the direction of the San Antonio Spurs superstar as he entered his hotel, flanked by security, after the team’s Game 4 loss to the Knicks.
It was not clear who threw the egg. The video showed taunting fans swarming the hotel, a few blocks south of Madison Square Garden.
Related: Wembanyama condemns apparent attacks on Spurs fans in New York during NBA finals
A few seconds after the egg cracks on a street sign, Wembanyama turns around and confronts a person standing near the hotel’s entrance, before continuing inside.
The Spurs did not immediately respond to a request seeking clarity on whether the object struck Wembanyama.
The confrontation followed a historic collapse by the Spurs, who now find themselves on the brink of elimination after blowing a 29-point lead to the Knicks. Wembanyama missed two key free throws in the game’s final minutes.
The Knicks’ victory prompted scenes of bedlam and jubilation across New York City, as ecstatic fans packed the streets, set off fireworks, scaled lamp-posts and at times clashed with police. According to the New York police department, 56 people were taken into custody for charges that ranged from assault to disorderly conduct.
“Once again, there were large crowds of people who engaged in incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior last night both during and after the game,” the police department said in a statement.
An NYPD spokesperson said they had nothing on file about the egg incident.
Earlier this week, players from both teams condemned apparent attacks on Spurs fans by supporters of the Knicks. Video had circulated showing San Antonio fans having their jerseys ripped off in the streets of New York after the Spurs’ win in Game 3 on Monday.
“My thoughts of course [are] that we can’t forget it’s a game,” Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said about the incidents. “We’re just playing a game out there. I am all for passion, but [with] the respect of each other. It’s unacceptable.”
Added Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns: “The game is built off of respect and passion. We want everyone to respect each other. We want everyone to enjoy basketball at its purest state. It’s the NBA finals. There’s no better place to watch basketball. Leave the physicality to everyone on the court.”
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