Wembanyama ejected – Victor Wembanyama was ejected in Game 4 after a Flagrant 2 elbowing Naz Reid, shifting momentum in the Spurs-Timberwolves series.
A frustrated moment turned into a pivotal turning point as Victor Wembanyama was ejected early in the second quarter of Game 4, handing the Minnesota Timberwolves a major swing in a tough second-round playoff battle.
Wembanyama. the San Antonio Spurs star. was shown a red card after throwing an elbow out of frustration and striking Timberwolves forward Naz Reid in the throat area early in the second quarter.. The incident unfolded as Reid had swarmed near the paint alongside Jaden McDaniels after Wembanyama corralled a rebound following a missed 3-pointer by the Spurs.
Initially, Wembanyama was whistled for an offensive foul immediately after the contact.. But a video review followed, and with chants at Target Center demanding “Kick him out!. Kick him out!,” the call was upgraded to a Flagrant 2 for excessive contact above the neck.. Under NBA rules, Flagrant 2 results in an automatic ejection, forcing Wembanyama out and instantly altering the rhythm of Game 4.
The Spurs came into the night with a 2-1 advantage in the series after their 115-108 win in Game 3 on Friday. That context made the ejection more than just a disciplinary headline; it changed the immediate competitive balance in a game that was already being described as rugged and physical.
As Wembanyama made his way off the floor, he slapped hands with his Spurs teammates while the arena sound system played Michael Jackson’s “Beat it!” The sequence carried symbolism, but the on-court impact was immediate as Reid converted both free throws to push Minnesota into a 38-34 lead.
From a statistical standpoint, Wembanyama’s evening was brief and consequential. He finished with four points, four rebounds, and three fouls in only 13 minutes, leaving San Antonio to adjust its rotations without its centerpiece for the remainder of the game.
For the Timberwolves, the confrontation underscored a matchup dynamic that has defined their effort in this series.. With Reid. Julius Randle. and McDaniels anchoring the frontcourt. Minnesota has repeatedly matched Wembanyama’s presence with muscle and tenacity. even while acknowledging that the Spurs star has still found ways to create offensively.
Wembanyama’s offensive production in the series has been strong enough to counter the defensive heavy lifting. He scored 39 points on 13-of-18 shooting from the floor in Game 3, demonstrating that even a relentless approach around him has not fully contained his scoring.
The ejection also marked a personal milestone: it was the first time Wembanyama has been ejected in his NBA career. Until Sunday night, his playoff run had been defined by dominance rather than discipline.
Overall, Wembanyama entered Game 4 averaging 21.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.0 blocks on 54.1 percent shooting across seven postseason appearances.. Those numbers help explain why his absence matters so much; when a player is contributing across multiple categories. removing him forces both scheme and energy to change for an entire team.
Minnesota’s defensive strategy has leaned into physicality, especially when Wembanyama is rebounding or driving sequences.. In this case. the contact that led to the Flagrant 2 grew out of a moment right after a missed Spurs 3-pointer. when Reid swarmed near the paint and looked positioned to absorb or disrupt the next action.
With the balance of Game 4 shifting after the automatic ejection. the Timberwolves gained an immediate scoring advantage and the emotional edge that comes with sending a star off early.. The series already featured a Spurs lead entering the game. but this incident injected uncertainty into San Antonio’s path forward and amplified Minnesota’s insistence on making the matchup difficult.
For the Spurs. the challenge becomes how to sustain intensity and scoring without Wembanyama once the game’s middle stretch arrives.. For Minnesota. the immediate moment is clear. but the larger question is whether the team can keep that level of physical pressure consistent without losing composure of its own as the series tightens further.
Victor Wembanyama Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 4 ejection Naz Reid NBA playoffs Flagrant 2 second-round series