Wembanyama takes subtle shots at Jaylen Brown after controversial ejection

The Celtics faced a stiff challenge on Tuesday night, walking into San Antonio to face the league’s hottest team. They ultimately fell to the Spurs, 125-116 in an exciting and explosive battle, but the result was largely overshadowed by Jaylen Brown’s second-quarter ejection after arguing a non-call.

Jaylen’s chili was running hot, and a technical was warranted, but for another referee to come from across the court and get involved in the altercation, going beyond the crew chief, and handing Brown a second technical, triggering the ejection, was a little ridiculous.

JB probably could have held back a bit, but at the same time, this was a huge marquee matchup of two of the league’s top four teams on national television, featuring a compelling battle of MVP candidates in Brown and Victor Wembanyama. This was shaping up to be a great game, and the refs completely overstepped and robbed fans everywhere.

The controversial ruling and Brown’s fiery reaction were major talking points after the game, and sure enough, Wemby was asked about the situation and how the Spurs have avoided letting those emotions interfere with their goals.

He didn’t reference Brown or the Celtics by name, but he certainly made some implications, saying, “I think it’s not that hard. We know where we’re going…Losing focus would show immaturity.”

Brown may use Wemby’s words as motivation

Now, I’m not Jaylen Brown. But we know he carries a big chip on his shoulder and takes every possible perceived slight and uses it as fuel. Surely, he will get wind of these comments from Wembanyama and assume that the young, French superstar is suggesting that Brown lost focus and acted immaturely.

Oh, and also that it’s not hard to control those emotions. I think we can assume that this whole situation and these comments will just make JB even more locked in for the stretch run. If the chip on his shoulder was any bigger already, he wouldn’t be able to walk through doorways, and it’s growing by the minute, this time thanks to the league’s tallest player.

It’s interesting that in the wake of Brown’s comments he made recently on his Twitch stream, when he praised Wemby, conceding he was the only better two-way player in the NBA, thanks to not being a human. It wasn’t meant as shade, but perhaps the comments rubbed Wemby the wrong way… but that would be odd considering he has leaned into the alien moniker.

It’s also interesting that while Wemby is on his way to being the face of the league for a long time, he has never even played in a playoff game. Brown, on the other hand, is a Finals MVP.

I don’t think Victor was trying to throw shade at Brown specifically and was just reflecting on his team while thoughtfully answering a question from a reporter. But whether he meant it or not, it reads a certain way, and if these teams do end up meeting in the Finals, don’t be surprised if Jaylen has these quotes taped up in the locker room.