Will Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama be suspended for Game 5 after flagrant foul on Naz Reid? appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Timberwolves eventually made the most of Victor Wembanyama’s early ejection in their 114-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs. The win means that the series is tied 2-2 as we head to San Antonio for Game 5.
Wembanyama was ejected after he initially got tangled up with Jaden McDaniels while fighting for a rebound. He ended up driving his elbow into Naz Reid’s chin, who immediately collapsed on the floor. The foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2 due to “windup, impact and follow-through above the neck,” concluding Wemby’s night after just 12 minutes.
However, the Spurs do not expect the ejection to result in a suspension for Game 5, per a post on X by ClutchPoints. The NBA is set to review the incident on Monday and the French phenom is expected to take part in Game 5 at San Antonio as things stand.
The visual replay intensified the controversy because the slow-motion angle made the elbow appear far more violent than it initially looked live. Wembanyama later appeared confused about the ruling itself and reportedly asked veteran Harrison Barnes what a Flagrant 2 meant before realizing he had been ejected.
He then high-fived teammates on the bench and walked into the tunnel, finishing with only four points and four rebounds while shooting 2-for-5 from the field. Even without Wembanyama, the Spurs nearly stole the game anyway.
De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle carried the offense for long stretches, combining for 68 points. Fox and Harper each finished with 24 points while Castle added 20.
The Spurs had a 94-86 lead with under nine minutes remaining but could not close out the game. Edwards ultimately rescued the Timberwolves late.
He scored 16 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, including 14 of his team’s first 18 points. Rudy Gobert finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds while Reid added 15 points and nine rebounds.
San Antonio will now hope to regain the series lead at home in Game 5.
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