Victor Wembanyama’s night in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals ended abruptly after a Flagrant 2 ejection for an elbow to the throat of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid. He was initially called for an offensive foul after contact while rebounding, but video review upgraded the call, triggering an automatic ejection that shifted momentum toward Minnesota.
The Target Center crowd reacted strongly, chanting for his removal as officials confirmed the Flagrant 2 ruling following a replay review. Wembanyama appeared confused by the decision, briefly asking teammate Harrison Barnes for clarification before exiting the court to mixed reactions. Reid converted both free throws to give Minnesota a short-term lead, capitalizing on the shift in momentum created by the ejection.
Wembanyama finished the game with four points in limited minutes as Minnesota’s physical frontcourt continued to challenge San Antonio throughout the contest. Despite his dominant scoring performance in Game 3, where he erupted for 39 points on efficient shooting, the defensive pressure from Reid, Julius Randle, and Jaden McDaniels proved disruptive in Game 4, highlighting Minnesota’s physical approach as the series intensified.
His early exit underscored how quickly physical playoff intensity can alter momentum, with the Spurs forced to adjust rotations and rely more heavily on perimeter scoring in a tightly contested semifinal matchup down the stretch of the game it.
