The San Antonio Spurs lost 114-109 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 last Sunday, leaving the playoff series tied 2-2 heading back to Texas.
It was another game heavily impacted by Victor Wembanyama’s absence from the floor, although this time it was not because of injury concerns.
Instead, the French star endured one of the toughest nights of his young NBA career after being ejected early during a closely contested postseason clash against Minnesota.
Victor Wembanyama recorded two unwanted career firsts in Game 4
Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images
Wembanyama’s difficult evening against the Timberwolves marked the first ejection of his NBA career since arriving in the league, according to ESPN.
The Spurs star received a flagrant-2 foul during the second quarter after elbowing Naz Reid while battling for position inside the paint.
Because of the ejection, Wembanyama remained on court for only 12 minutes before being sent back to the locker room.
The shortened appearance also resulted in another unwanted milestone for the 21-year-old: Wembanyama finished the game with only four points, the fewest he has scored in any NBA appearance.
San Antonio Spurs still pushed Minnesota Timberwolves despite Victor Wembanyama’s absence
Even without the outstanding center for most of the contest, the Spurs remained competitive until the final minutes against the Timberwolves.
De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle all scored more than 20 points while keeping San Antonio within striking distance throughout the game.
For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards was the only player to surpass the 20-point mark during the victory.
That balance from the Spurs suggests they could have controlled the game if Wembanyama had stayed on the floor while his teammates maintained the same offensive level.
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