Victor WembanyamaPlayer·Victor Wembanyama's night in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinalsCompetition·Western Conference Semifinals ended abruptly Sunday in Minnesota. The San Antonio SpursTeam·San Antonio Spurs star swung his elbow into Naz ReidPlayer·Naz Reid's neck while battling for an offensive rebound, prompting referees to assess a Flagrant 2 foul and eject him with 8:39 remaining in the second quarter.
At that moment, the Timberwolves nursed a 36-34 lead. Wembanyama had tallied four points, four rebounds, one assist, and three personal fouls across 13 minutes. The call removed San Antonio's 7-foot-4 rim protector and leading scorer from a game the Spurs entered up 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.
The incident amplified a budding rivalry between Wembanyama and the Timberwolves. In Game 3, he erupted for 39 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks in a 115-108 Spurs victory—a line matched in NBA playoff history only by Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Minnesota claimed Game 1, 106-104, before San Antonio routed them 133-95 in Game 2.
Under NBA rules, a Flagrant 2 carries an automatic ejection, two free throws, and possession for the offended team. Reid converted both attempts, steadying Minnesota's bench production in a series where physicality has escalated. Timberwolves coach Chris FinchCoach·Chris Finch had noted Wembanyama's shot-blocking prowess after Game 1, hinting at uncalled infractions.
Wembanyama's absence shifted the game's balance. San Antonio, the No. 2 Western Conference seed at 62-20 in the regular season, leaned on its depth without its cornerstone. Minnesota, the No. 6 seed at 49-33, seized the moment to claw back in a series now teetering on Game 5.
League officials will review the play Monday, per Express-News reporter Jeff McDonald. A suspension remains possible, which could sideline Wembanyama for the pivotal next matchup. The Spurs' series lead hangs in the balance, with Wembanyama's availability dictating their path deeper into the playoffs.
This ejection underscores the fine line in playoff basketball, where stars like Wembanyama draw scrutiny amid rising stakes. San Antonio's regular-season dominance positioned them as contenders, but Minnesota's resilience tests that status. Game 5 looms as a turning point, with the winner gaining commanding momentum toward the conference finals.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama calls for the ball. Icon Sportswire/IMAGO
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