For the first time in his professional career, Victor Wembanyama left a game before he wanted to-and the San Antonio Spurs paid the price. The 22-year-old was ejected early in the second quarter of Game 4 on Sunday after a Flagrant 2 foul call for elbowing Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid. The result was a 114-109 Minnesota victory that reset the Western Conference semifinals to a dead-even 2-2.
The incident and the call
The sequence unfolded after a missed Spurs three-pointer. Wembanyama grabbed the rebound and found himself immediately swarmed by Reid and Jaden McDaniels outside the paint. As he attempted to create space, his elbow swung and caught Reid on the right side of the jaw and neck, sending him crashing to the floor. Crew chief Zach Zarba announced the Flagrant 2 after video review: « There was windup, impact and follow-through above the neck of an opponent. » The ejection was automatic-Wembanyama’s first in his professional career. He had logged just 13 minutes: 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 fouls.
Anthony Edwards takes over
Without the one player capable of altering every shot in the building, the Timberwolves played with a freedom they rarely find when Wembanyama is on the floor. Anthony Edwards (36 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists) was the story of the night, delivering 16 of his points in the fourth quarter when Minnesota needed steadiness most. Naz Reid, who absorbed the elbow, showed no ill effects and added 15 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. The Wolves outscored San Antonio by 10 in the final period to seal it.
The frustration behind the act
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson declined to defend the elbow itself, but he offered context. « Just the amount of physicality that people play with him – at some level, you have to protect yourself, » Johnson told reporters after the loss. It is a complaint that has grown louder across these playoffs: Wembanyama is guarded with an intensity that officials have been inconsistent in managing, and the frustration has been visible for weeks.
The NBA’s Competitive Equity department will conduct an automatic review of the Flagrant 2, with a suspension for Game 5 a distinct possibility.
Series reset
What appeared to be a significant San Antonio advantage after Wembanyama’s 39-point, 15-rebound, 5-block masterpiece in Game 3-a performance that placed him alongside Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the playoff record books-is now gone. Game 5 returns to San Antonio. The Spurs will need their franchise player composed, available, and operating well within his limits. So will their opponent.
[Update – May 12, 2026] The NBA has decided not to issue further discipline for Wembanyama following the elbow on Naz Reid. The Spurs star will be available for Game 5 in San Antonio, sources told ESPN.
[Update – May 12, 2026] The NBA has officially cleared Victor Wembanyama to play in Game 5. The league decided against suspension or fine following his Flagrant 2 ejection in Game 4. Wembanyama will be available Tuesday night in San Antonio, per Fox News Sports and Sports Illustrated. The NBA cited his clean disciplinary record and the first-time nature of the incident.
