Wembanyama Ejected Early as Spurs Fall to Timberwolves in Game 4.

MINNEAPOLIS — Victor Wembanyama was ejected for the first time in his career during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals Sunday night after striking Naz Reid with an elbow in the second quarter, a moment that shifted momentum in the San Antonio Spurs’ 114–109 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The incident occurred with 8:39 remaining in the second quarter. After securing a rebound, Wembanyama was met by Reid and Jaden McDaniels, who pressured him defensively. As he attempted to clear space, Wembanyama swung his elbow, making contact with Reid’s jaw and neck area. Reid fell to the floor on impact. Officials initially called an offensive foul but upgraded it to a flagrant foul 2 following video review. Crew chief Zach Zarba announced the decision, triggering an automatic ejection. Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged the foul but voiced frustration over what he described as consistent physical treatment toward Wembanyama. “Players are allowed to be physical with him on nearly every possession,” Johnson said postgame. “At some point, if that’s not addressed, he’s going to react. That doesn’t justify what happened, but it’s part of the context.” Teammate De'Aaron Fox suggested the sequence may have been avoidable had a foul been called earlier in the play. “If the initial contact gets whistled, none of that probably happens,” Fox said. “His arm was tied up. Guys are taught to protect the ball, and things escalate.” Wembanyama, who appeared confused when informed of the ruling on the bench, exited after briefly acknowledging teammates. Reid converted both technical free throws, giving Minnesota a 38–34 lead. The 22-year-old finished with four points, four rebounds, and three fouls in just 13 minutes — his lowest scoring output in any game of his career, regular season or playoffs. Despite the early exit, Wembanyama addressed teammates at halftime, offering encouragement as the Spurs trailed 60–56.

“He was still engaged,” guard Stephon Castle said. “He was trying to keep everyone confident.” San Antonio players largely characterized the play as frustration rather than intent. “You could see it building,” said Dylan Harper. “It wasn’t about trying to hurt someone — it was about feeling like he had to protect himself.” According to league data, Wembanyama’s ejection marked the earliest removal of an All-Star in a playoff game since detailed play-by-play tracking began in the 1997–98 season. Teams in that situation have struggled historically, now holding a 1–8 record. The series is now tied 2–2 heading into Game 5 in San Antonio. The league is expected to review the play, as flagrant 2 fouls automatically carry a minimum fine and potential for additional discipline.