Victor Wembanyama will not be suspended for his Flagrant 2 foul during Game 4 of the San Antonio Spurs-Minnesota Timberwolves series.
ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news on the Pat McAfee Show. Charania also reported that Wembanyana will not be fined for his role in the incident either.
That is a significant outcome for the Spurs after Wembanyama was ejected in the second quarter of Game 4, a 114-109 Timberwolves win that tied the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2. The series now shifts back to San Antonio for Game 5, with Wembanyama cleared to play and Minnesota trying to carry over the physical defensive approach that helped swing Game 4.
Wembanyama was tossed after striking Reid above the neck while trying to protect the ball after a rebound. The initial foul was upgraded after review to a Flagrant 2, which carries an automatic ejection. The ejection shifted the balance of the game toward Minnesota, as Wembanyama finished with four points, four rebounds and three fouls in 13 minutes.
A Flagrant 2 carries an automatic ejection, which sent Wemby packing during Game 4. The nature of the call also allows the NBA to review the play and issue additional punishment. The NBA chose not to levy further penalties.
Victor Wembanyama Will Play in Game 5 After NBA Reviews Flagrant 2
The most important part of the NBA’s decision is simple: Wembanyama will be on the floor for Game 5.
Wembanyama had dominated Game 3 with 39 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in San Antonio’s 115-108 win, becoming the fourth player in NBA history to produce at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in a playoff game.
Without him for most of Game 4, the Spurs still pushed Minnesota to the final minutes. But San Antonio’s margin changes dramatically when Wembanyama is available as a scorer, rim protector and matchup problem against a Timberwolves frontcourt built around size and physicality.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson defended Wembanyama after Game 4, saying he did not believe the play warranted further punishment and arguing that the Timberwolves’ physicality had forced Wembanyama to protect himself. Johnson said there was “zero intent” and that any additional punishment “would be ridiculous.”
Wembanyama Still Faces a Discipline Tightrope in the Playoffs
Even though Wembanyama avoided a Game 5 suspension, the Flagrant 2 does not disappear from the playoff record.
The San Antonio Express-News reported that a Flagrant 2 carries two flagrant-foul points under league policy, and any player who exceeds three points during the playoffs receives an automatic one-game suspension. That means Wembanyama has less room for another major incident as long as the Spurs remain alive. His next point would carry an automatic suspension, not an NBA-triggered review.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post NBA Makes Final Victor Wembanyama Punishment Decision: Report appeared first on HEAVY.