Victor Wembanyama did not speak to the media after being ejected for the first time in his NBA career. The San Antonio Spurs star was tossed from Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals for elbowing an opponent, as his team fell 114-109 to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The 22-year-old France international grabbed the rebound of a missed Spurs three-pointer early in the second quarter. While protecting the ball, he turned and appeared to catch Timberwolves forward Naz Reid in the jaw with his elbow. The officials initially called an offensive foul, but after a video review, the play was upgraded to a flagrant 2 violation—automatic ejection and a minimum fine of $2,000 (£1,464)—for excessive contact above the neck.
As the ejection was announced, Wembanyama was heard asking Spurs teammate Harrison Barnes, “What does that mean?” He finished with four points and four rebounds in just under 13 minutes of action. Teammates De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper each scored 24 points in the loss.
The Timberwolves’ victory tied the best-of-seven series at 2-2, with Game 5 set for San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday. Naz Reid contributed 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench for Minnesota.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said he did not condone Wembanyama’s actions but was glad the 7-foot-4 star “took matters into his own hands,” arguing that he needs more protection from referees. “I’m glad Naz Reid is OK and I didn’t want him to elbow him. But [Wembanyama] is going to have to protect himself if no one else does for him. And I think it’s disgusting,” Johnson added.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch noted the challenge ahead: “We never expected them just to go away. They won a game in the Portland series without Wembanyama, so they’re a very good team.”
In other action Sunday, the New York Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference finals by sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers 144-114 in Game 4. Miles McBride scored 25 points and Jalen Brunson added 22, securing a 4-0 series win. The Knicks will face either the top-seeded Detroit Pistons or the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers for a spot in the NBA Finals.