This elbow to Naz Reid led to Victor Wembanyama’s ejection during Sunday’s Game 4.
MINNEAPOLIS — In an unexpected turn during a heated playoff series, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was ejected for a flagrant 2 foul in the second quarter of Sunday’s Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With just under nine minutes left in the first half, the Timberwolves’ aggressive defense finally got to the Spurs standout. Wembanyama grabbed a rebound over Naz Reid and appeared to be hit as he gathered the ball while being swarmed by Reid and Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels. Wembanyama then looked over his shoulder and swung his elbow into Reid’s throat, sending the Wolves big man to the floor.
After a several-minute review, during which Timberwolves fans chanted, “Throw him out!” officials ruled the play excessive and above the shoulders, resulting in a flagrant 2 penalty and an automatic ejection. It marked the first ejection of Wembanyama’s career.
With Wembanyama out, the Timberwolves went on to win the game 114-109, tying the series at two games apiece.
“He’s been shoved, he’s been knocked down in transition while running freely, all of it. He never complains,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said after the game. “We don’t complain because we’re just going to play. We don’t really care, excuse my language. But at some point, he should be protected. And if not, he’s going to have to protect himself, and unfortunately things like that happen.”
When the decision was made, NBC’s cameras caught Wembanyama turning to teammate Harrison Barnes and appearing to ask what a flagrant 2 foul meant. Barnes whispered an answer, and the Spurs star seemed to respond, “I’m ejected,” while pointing to his chest.
After being disqualified, Wembanyama went to his teammates, high-fiving every player and staff member he could find on the bench and clapping to encourage them. His ejection came with the Wolves holding a slim lead and backup center Luke Kornet struggling in his minutes throughout the series.
The incident was uncharacteristic for Wembanyama, who is known for controlling his emotions on and off the court. He typically plays with quiet intensity, with bursts of emotion appearing only in big moments. He has rarely been involved in any physical altercation, let alone started one, as he did here.
But the Timberwolves have one of the NBA’s most physical defenses, and Wembanyama had been complaining to officials about their aggressive play throughout the series. This moment finally pushed him over the edge.
The Spurs now wait to see if Wembanyama will face further punishment for the elbow. Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in San Antonio.
“I don’t know the legalities or the rules, but there was zero intent,” Johnson said when asked about the possibility of Wembanyama being suspended for Game 5. “They did what they did because of the outcome of the play, so be it. But to have anything on top of that would be ridiculous.”
Reid remained in the game, recording 15 points and nine rebounds while also battling an ankle injury he suffered during the fourth quarter.
“Pain is weakness leaving the body,” Reid said. “That’s it.”
