A Controversial Ejection for Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama, the towering 224cm French sensation from the San Antonio Spurs, found himself in an unexpected and shocking situation during the fourth game of the NBA playoffs series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. For the first time in his young career, he was ejected from a game after a controversial incident involving a swinging elbow to the neck of Timberwolves star Naz Reid.
The incident occurred in the fourth quarter when Wembanyama was trying to find space after securing an offensive rebound. As he held the ball, it was smacked into his face by Timberwolves guard Mike Conley, while Naz Reid approached from the side. In an attempt to prevent both defenders from closing in further, Wembanyama swung his right elbow, which struck Reid directly in the throat.
Reid immediately collapsed to the ground, prompting officials to rush in to prevent any potential confrontation between Wembanyama and the Timberwolves players. A review by referee Zach Zarba confirmed that Wembanyama’s contact was “unnecessary and excessive,” leading to the foul being upgraded to a flagrant two penalty. This resulted in Wembanyama’s ejection from the game.
The crowd at the Target Centre in Minneapolis erupted in cheers as the call was announced, but Wembanyama appeared stunned and confused about what the decision meant for him. He could be seen asking teammate Harrison Barnes, “What does that mean?” After a brief explanation, he added, “I’m ejected?”
As he left the court, Wembanyama shook hands with each of his teammates, and the arena’s sound system played Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.”
Wembanyama finished the game with four points, four rebounds, and three fouls in just 13 minutes on the court. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards’ 36 points, won the game 114-109, leveling the series at two games apiece.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson expressed his disappointment with the officiating, stating, “I’m glad he took matters into his own hands. Not in terms of hitting Naz Reid – by all means, being very clear about that. I’m glad Naz Reid is OK, and I didn’t want him to elbow him, but he’s going to have to protect himself.”
Johnson criticized the NBA officials for not providing enough protection for Wembanyama, who has been known for his slender frame and frequent injuries. “The level of physicality that opponents have been trying to impose on him since his first days in the league, combined with the lack of protection from the referees, is really disappointing. And to a certain extent, it’s starting to become downright nauseating.”
Despite the controversy, Johnson dismissed concerns about a potential suspension for Wembanyama. “There was zero intent. I think it would be ridiculous.”
The series now shifts back to San Antonio for Game Five on Wednesday (AEST), with the league expected to review the incident for potential further disciplinary action. The Spurs remain the second favorites to win the title, behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
