San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was ejected from Game 4 of the second-round NBA playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night after throwing an elbow at the throat of forward Naz Reid. The incident occurred early in the second quarter, escalating tensions in a rugged series.
Details of the Incident
Wembanyama, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, rebounded a missed 3-pointer by the Spurs and was immediately swarmed by Reid and teammate Jaden McDaniels outside the paint. In frustration, the 7-foot-4 center swung his elbow, striking Reid in the throat. The referees initially called an offensive foul, but after a video review and with fans at Target Center chanting, “Kick him out! Kick him out!,” the foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2 for excessive contact above the neck. The penalty triggered an automatic ejection.
When the announcement was made, Wembanyama appeared to ask teammate Harrison Barnes, “What does that mean?” He then slapped hands with each Spurs teammate before leaving the floor as the arena played Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” Reid sank both free throws, giving the Timberwolves a 38-34 lead.
Impact on the Game and Series
Wembanyama’s ejection immediately swung the balance of the pivotal game toward Minnesota. The Spurs had taken a 2-1 series lead with a 115-108 win in Game 3. Wembanyama finished with four points, four rebounds, and three fouls in 13 minutes. The Timberwolves, with Reid, Julius Randle, and McDaniels in their frontcourt, have used physical defense to challenge Wembanyama, who had 39 points on 13-for-18 shooting in Game 3.
Reid’s response to the incident was stoic: “Pain is weakness leaving the body, that's it.” The series continues with the Timberwolves looking to capitalize on the momentum shift.
