Victor Wembanyama was ejected for the first time in his NBA career as his San Antonio Spurs side were beaten 114-109 by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The incident occurred in game four of the Western Conference semi-finals. Wembanyama, 22, was ejected for elbowing an opponent.
Wembanyama’s Ejection and Initial Reaction
Wembanyama appeared to elbow Timberwolves’ Naz Reid in the jaw. The incident occurred early in the second quarter after Wembanyama grabbed the rebound of a missed Spurs three-pointer and was protecting the ball when he turned around.
The incident was initially called as an offensive foul. Following a video review by the officials, it was upgraded to a flagrant 2. A flagrant 2 is an automatic ejection and a minimum of $2,000 (£1,464) fine for excessive contact above the neck.
When the ejection was announced, Wembanyama appeared to ask Spurs team-mate Harrison Barnes: “What does that mean?”
Coaches’ Reactions to the Incident
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said he was glad Wembanyama “took matters into his own hands”. Johnson believes the 7ft 4in (2.24m) star needs more protection from referees.
Johnson added that he didn’t want Wembanyama to elbow Reid and was glad Reid is OK. “But [Wembanyama’s] going to have to protect himself if no-one else does for him. And I think it’s disgusting,” Johnson stated.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said, “We never expected them just to go away.” Finch added that the Spurs are a very good team, noting that “They won a game in the Portland series without Wembanyama”.
Game Four Statistics
- Wembanyama finished with four points and four rebounds in just under 13 minutes of action.
- De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper each scored 24 points for the Spurs.
- Reid contributed 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench for the Timberwolves.
Series Tied Ahead of Game Five
The Timberwolves’ victory on Sunday levels the best-of-seven series at 2-2. Game five will be in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday.