Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert welcomes Victor Wembanyama back with flagrant 1 foul appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama became the center of controversy after being ejected from Game 4 vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves for elbowing Naz Reid in the throat. The contest seemingly remains chippy in Game 5, as Rudy Gobert was given a flagrant 1 foul early in Tuesday’s matchup.
Wembanyama, who is 22 years old, took a step-back three-point shot over Gobert early in the first quarter. However, the Timberwolves’ center placed his feet right underneath Wembanyama, nearly causing a potentially serious ankle injury. After further review, officials changed the original foul call to a flagrant 1. Since it is not a flagrant 2, Rudy Gobert was not forced to leave the game.
While Gobert’s foul is nowhere near as violent as Wembanyama’s in Game 4, it is still a flagrant 1, as defenders have to allow the shooter room to land on their feet after shooting the ball. What Gobert did is considered a dangerous play, as it increases the possibility of a sprained ankle or worse.
Considering it is the NBA Playoffs, the series between the Timberwolves and Spurs may remain physical throughout. Especially right now, as Game 5 is a pivotal matchup with the series tied 2-2 through four contests. Defending Victor Wembanyama is key for Minnesota to win the series, but that is much easier said than done.
Game 5 will continue, and the winner of this matchup will take a 3-2 series lead. That’s a huge advantage going into Game 6, which is scheduled for Friday, May 15, at Minnesota. A victory for the Timberwolves on Tuesday would give the organization a chance to close the series in front of the home crowd.
Related: Timberwolves’ Naz Reid isn’t ready to panic down 3-2 to the Spurs
Related: Carmelo Anthony calls out Timberwolves’ Julius Randle for quiet Spurs series
