After receiving a hard elbow to the face from Victor Wembanyama (22), Minnesota Timberwolves’ Naz Reid was left stunned—and Wembanyama was promptly ejected. The San Antonio Spurs star initially did not understand the referee’s call, only realizing after a quick conversation with teammate Harrison Barnes that his night was over due to a “flagrant foul type 2.”
Wembanyama’s early exit meant he could not help his team in the final moments, as the Spurs fell 109-114 to the Timberwolves, tying the quarterfinal playoff series at 2-2. However, according to AFP, the NBA has not issued any additional fine or suspension for Wembanyama, meaning he will be available for Game 5, which takes place in the early hours of Wednesday, May 13.
Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson backed his star player after the game, saying, “I’m glad he took the initiative—not in the sense of hitting Naz Reid, but he has to protect himself if others won’t. And that disgusts me.” Johnson was referring to what the Spurs believe is inconsistent officiating regarding hard fouls on Wembanyama throughout the series.
“We’re not complaining because we’re just focused on playing,” Johnson emphasized. “But at some point, you have to protect him. If not, he’ll have to do it himself, and unfortunately, things like this happen.”
The incident occurred when Wembanyama grabbed an offensive rebound and was pressured by two defenders. Trying to shake them off, he swung his elbow, striking Reid directly in the jaw. After reviewing the footage, the officials decided to eject him. Up to that point, Wembanyama had only scored four points.
Asked whether he expects any further league action, Johnson called any additional punishment “ridiculous.” He added, “The officials made the call during the game. That’s fine. But piling something else on top of that? That would be absurd.”