nba victor wembanyama left Sunday’s playoff game in the most unusual way of his career: he was ejected for the first time after an elbow to Naz Reid was upgraded to a Flagrant 2. The San Antonio Spurs still had a chance in a 114-109 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the call removed their 7ft 4in star from the stretch run.
Wembanyama Gets Flagged
The foul was first whistled as an offensive foul, then changed after a video review to Flagrant 2 for excessive contact above the neck. That automatic ejection sent Wembanyama to the sideline in a tight playoff game, and Reid made both free throws to push Minnesota ahead 38-34.
Wembanyama appeared to ask Harrison Barnes, “What does that mean?” when the penalty was announced. He finished with four points, four rebounds and three fouls in 13 minutes, far below the impact he had in Game 3, when he scored 39 points on 13-for-18 shooting.
Minnesota Holds 2-2
Anthony Edwards scored 36 points for Minnesota, while Reid added 15 points and nine rebounds. The Timberwolves used Reid, Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels against Wembanyama in the frontcourt, and the win tied the best-of-seven series at 2-2.
Mitch Johnson said after the game, “He’s going to have to protect himself if [the referees] are not … It’s disgusting. I just think that the amount of physicality that people play with him at some level you have to protect yourself,” and added, “There was zero intent,” about the elbow. He also said, “I think it would be ridiculous [to punish him further].”
Game 5 In San Antonio
The NBA was set to decide Wembanyama’s status on Monday, with the league able to fine or suspend him for the play. San Antonio was scheduled to host Game 5 on Tuesday, and the Spurs now have to plan for that game while waiting on the ruling that could shape his availability.
