Nobody expected a November game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors to feel like a playoff grudge match. Still, yesterday’s NBA Cup showdown was a regular-season thriller, culminating in one moment. Off an inbound pass from Stephon Castle, Victor Wembanyama threw down a lob over Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. Even if the basket didn’t count, the image stuck, setting off a heated exchange. However, the seeds of the confrontation had been sown early.

During the third quarter, Green tried to go up on Wembanyama and got blocked twice in a row. He immediately turned to officials after a stoppage, yelling, “ That’s a foul! ” but got nothing. Wemby couldn’t help himself, laughing as Draymond shouted, even engaging by telling the referee, “ You’re not gonna give him a

See Full Page