San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama’s initial reaction moments before his ejection was pure confusion. The 22-year-old was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.
At the 8:39 mark in the second quarter, Wembanyama positioned for a rebound. He was swarmed by Naz Reid. The Frenchman threw an elbow that connected square on Reid’s jaw.
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Officials reviewed the play and deemed the contact excessive, ruling it a follow-through above the neck of an opponent. The call warranted an automatic ejection.
Wembanyama finished with four points and four rebounds in 13 minutes in the first ejection of his career.
Victor Wembanyama left confused by ejection
Cameras caught Wembanyama seated on the bench as referees delivered their verdict. He did not appear to understand the ruling after officials confirmed the Flagrant 2. The two-time All-Star had to clarify with veteran teammate Harrison Barnes before heading to the locker room.
The Timberwolves’ physicality may be starting to get to Wembanyama. The ejection was uncharacteristic for the Spurs star, who is typically calm and collected on the floor.
Without their best player, Minnesota pounced. The Timberwolves tied the series 2-2 with a 114-109 win at Target Center. Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 36 points, six rebounds and two assists. De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper each stepped up for San Antonio with 24 points apiece.
Wembanyama has averaged 23.0 points, 15.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists through the first three games of the series. The NBA will further review the incident for possible supplemental discipline.
A suspension for Game 5 would be a massive blow for the Spurs.
