Victor Wembanyama received the first ejection of his NBA career after striking Naz Reid in the jaw and neck with an elbow, as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs 114-109 on Sunday to even their playoff series at 2-2.
Wembanyama had just grabbed a rebound off a missed three-pointer when Reid and teammate Jaden McDaniels converged on him outside the paint. The foul was initially called an offensive foul, but following a video review, it was upgraded to a Flagrant 2 for excessive contact above the neck. With fans at Target Center chanting “Kick him out!,” the automatic ejection was enforced. The 7-foot-4 Spurs star appeared bewildered, asking teammate Harrison Barnes, “What does that mean?”
Though Spurs coach Mitch Johnson did not justify Wembanyama’s actions, he argued that officials must do more to protect the young star. “He’s going to have to protect himself if [the referees] are not … It’s disgusting,” Johnson said after the game. “The amount of physicality people play with him … at some level you have to protect yourself.”
As Wembanyama walked off the court slapping hands with teammates while the arena played Michael Jackson’s “Beat It!,” Reid made both free throws to give Minnesota a 38-34 lead. The reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year finished with four points, four rebounds, and three fouls in just 13 minutes.
With Reid, Julius Randle, and McDaniels in the frontcourt, the Timberwolves used their size and physicality to challenge Wembanyama. After scoring 39 points in Game 3, he was held in check on Sunday. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 36 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, while Reid added 15 points and nine rebounds.
San Antonio will host Game 5 on Tuesday. Wembanyama’s availability will be determined by the NBA on Monday, with the possibility of a fine or suspension. Johnson opposed additional punishment, stating, “There was zero intent. I think it would be ridiculous.”