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an Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is under a harsh spotlight after he was ejected in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Wembanyama was tossed from the game after he struck Minnesota Timberwolves big man Naz Reid with a swinging elbow.
After official review, the 22-year-old San Antonio star was assessed a flagrant foul 2, resulting in an automatic ejection.
The Spurs went on to lose Game 3, 109-114, but fought valiantly without Wembanyama, a leading NBA MVP candidate and winner of this year’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
The series is now tied 2-2 as it heads back to San Antonio for a pivotal Game 5. The NBA is expected to review the Game 4 incident before deciding whether Wembanyama will face any disciplinary action.
Popular Insider Disparages Victor Wembanyama for Actions
The fallout of Wembanyama’s ejection will continue to flow heading into Tuesday’s Game 5. If Wembanyama receives suspension, it could tilt the series dramatically.
GettySan Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyma was ejected during Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberweolves
After the game, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson came to the defense of his star player, saying the physicality Wembanyama deals with is “disgusting.”
But on Monday’s “Get Up,” NBA insider Brian Windhorst did not hold back in his assessment of Wembanyama using his elbow to strike Reid.
“You absolutely do not take yourself out of a game like this,” Windhorst said. “I think Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs have shown incredible maturity. … This was a very immature act by a player who took himself out of a game [and] opened the door for his team now to lose leverage in the series.”
Added Windhorst: “He will avoid a suspension now; he better not do this again because he would get suspended for this kind of hit. … Absolutely unacceptable to do this in a playoff game.”
No Suspension, But Fine Expected
GettySAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – MAY 04: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on from the bench during the second half of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 04, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas.
Windhorst was also critical of Wembanyama’s reaction to being given a flagrant 2. The popular talking head believes Wembanyama wasn’t being genuine when mouthing to Spurs teammate, “What does that mean?” after crew chief Zach Zarba announced the penalty and ejection.
Windhorst doesn’t expect the NBA to suspend Wembanyama but believes a flagrant 2 was the correct call. Windhorst thinks Wembanyama could get slapped with a fine.
“The league will review it; it is standard to review all flagrants. I do think there’s a chance he will get a fine for this play,” Windhorst said. “It met every criteria of a flagrant foul — unnecessary, excess wind-up above the shoulders.”
The Spurs would catch a major break if Wembanyama dodges suspension. To many, Wembanyama swinging his elbow and striking Reid looked eerily similar to Ron Artest’s play on James Harden in 2012. Artest, then a member of the Lakers, was suspended a whopping seven games.
San Antonio finds itself in a drag-out series against the Timberwolves, who possess more postseason experience and veteran pretense on the roster. Losing Wembanyana, even for one game, could be a devastating blow to their chances to advance to the Western conference finals.
It is now a best-of-three battle. The series shifts to San Antonio for Game 5.
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