Victor Wembanyama facing suspension chaos as Stephen A. Smith delivers blunt verdict originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Timberwolves came out on top against Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night. While the Timberwolves ultimately secured the win, much of the postgame discussion centered around Wembanyama’s ejection, as many believe it dramatically shifted the game’s momentum and possibly even the direction of the series itself.
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith was one of many to be totally surprised by Wembanyama's action, but joined the call for not a suspension.
“Damn! @wemby’s ejection — unfortunately — was very warranted. Can’t swing your elbow like that. Very intentional. No debate. But I’m praying he doesn’t SUSPENDED for Game, which is very possible. We shouldn’t want decisions like that deciding a series. But we shall see,” Smith tweeted.
The turning point came during a tense rebounding battle involving Wembanyama, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels, as all three players aggressively contested a loose ball. Wembanyama threw an elbow that struck Reid in the face, sending him to the floor and immediately prompting officials to stop play and review the incident.
Referees determined the contact was excessive after a lengthy review process and ejected Wembanyama, who ended up missing more than half the game.
A final decision from the NBA is expected before Tuesday’s tip-off, but initial reporting says that a suspension for Game 5 is considered unlikely. The NBA rarely suspends players for a single Flagrant 2 incident unless there is a clear history of unsportsmanlike conduct or intent to injure. So, the Spurs fans can expect Wembanyama to be available for Game 5 on Tuesday in San Antonio.
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