Victor Wembanyama was ejected for the first time in his NBA career after elbowing an opponent. This occurred as his San Antonio Spurs side were beaten 114-109 by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Wembanyama’s Ejection
Wembanyama, the France international, had grabbed the rebound of a missed Spurs three-pointer early in the second quarter. While protecting the ball, he turned and appeared to elbow the Timberwolves’ Naz Reid in the jaw.
The incident was initially ruled an offensive foul. Following a video review, it was upgraded to a flagrant 2, resulting in an automatic ejection and a minimum fine of $2,000 (£1,464) for excessive contact above the neck.
After the ejection was announced, Wembanyama appeared to ask team-mate Harrison Barnes: “What does that mean?” Wembanyama finished with four points and four rebounds in just under 13 minutes of action.
Reaction to the Incident
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said he was glad Wembanyama “took matters into his own hands”. He added that he believes the star needs more protection from referees.
Johnson stated: “I’m glad Naz Reid is OK and I didn’t want him to elbow him. But [Wembanyama’s] going to have to protect himself if no-one else does for him. And I think it’s disgusting.”
Timberwolves Secure the Win
Reid contributed 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench for the Timberwolves. De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper scored 24 points each for the Spurs.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said: “We never expected them just to go away.” He added that the team had won a game in the Portland series without Wembanyama and are a very good team.
The Timberwolves’ victory levels the best-of-seven series at 2-2. Game five is in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday.
Knicks Advance
Also on Sunday, the New York Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference finals. They brushed aside the Philadelphia 76ers 144-114 in game four, securing a 4-0 series clean sweep.
Miles McBride scored 25 points, and Jalen Brunson added 22 points for the Knicks. The Knicks will take on top-seeded Detroit Pistons or fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers for a spot in the NBA Finals.
The series now heads to San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday for game five.