The Timberwolves and Spurs are tied 2-2 in their series after the Timberwolves’ 114-109 victory in Game 4.
Wembanyama’s Early Ejection
Victor Wembanyama’s early ejection proved a major talking point. He was disqualified for slamming his right elbow into Naz Reid’s neck, resulting in a Flagrant 2 foul in the second quarter of Sunday’s Game 4 loss.
Wembanyama lasted just 12:29, leaving nearly 33 minutes of game time on the table. At the time of the incident, the Spurs were up 36-34. San Antonio were then outscored 80-73 the rest of the way, with the Timberwolves levelling the series at 2-2.
The 7-foot-4 center’s brief appearance was one of the shortest healthy postseason performances. The source article compared it to some legends and Hall of Famers.
Historical Comparisons
Here are some comparisons to other big-name players with shortened game times:
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 10 minutes
- Bill Russell: 20 minutes
- LeBron James: 24 minutes
- Michael Jordan: 29 minutes
- Wilt Chamberlain: 34 minutes
Two of Wembanyama’s big-man frat brothers in San Antonio, David Robinson and Tim Duncan, also played shorter minutes once each.
- Robinson played just 7:11 in the Spurs’ rout of Seattle in the opener of their 2002 first round.
- Duncan played 12:06 in Game 4 of the West semifinals against OKC.
Looking Ahead to Game 5
Wembanyama needs to stay on the court longer in Game 5 if his team hopes to stay in control against the Timberwolves.
Game 5 takes place on Tuesday.