A spectator is escorted off the court after running onto it during Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday in San Antonio. Photo by Adam Davis/EPA
The NBA has banned for life a spectator who rushed the court during Game 1 of the NBA Finals, a spokesperson told UPI on Thursday.
The incident occurred in the fourth quarter of the New York Knicks’ 105-95 win over the San Antonio Spurs in the series opener Wednesday in San Antonio.
The teenager dashed onto the court, pulled out his cell phone and took a selfie in front of Spurs center Victor Wembanyama before two security guards hauled him away.
“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,” the spokesman said, but did not elaborate.
Wembanyama, who totaled 26 points and 12 rebounds, told reporters at his postgame news conference that he was taken aback by the intrusion.
“I’ve never been in that situation,” Wembanyama said. “I didn’t know how to act. It really surprised me.”
The Spurs (0-1) will host the Knicks (1-0) in Game 2 at 8:30 p.m. EDT Friday in San Antonio. Game 3 of the best-of-seven game series will be Monday in New York.
