S
an Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama continues to attract major headlines in the wake of his ejection in Sunday’s Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Wembanyama was dismissed after he struck Timberwolves big man Naz Reid with a swinging elbow.
Replay showed the 22-year-old San Antonio star harshly contacted Reid on his head and neck area as he used his elbows in attempt to fend off the defensive pressure. Wembanyama was charged with a flagrant foul 2, resulting in an automatic ejection.
The Spurs went on to lose a crucial Game 4, 109-114, tying the best-of-seven series at two games apiece.
As the series heads back to San Antonio for a pivotal Game 5, the Spurs could be without their best player, potentially affecting the series dramatically. The NBA is expected to review the incident involving Wembanyama and Reid before deciding if Wembanyama will face any disciplinary action.
NBA Facing Aggressive Calls for Victor Wembanyama Suspension
The Spurs find themselves in a suddenly tough spot. They were just a few plays away from taking a commanding 3-1 lead. Instead, the Wolves, powered by Anthony Edwards’ 16-point fourth quarter, stormed back to take a late lead and the eventual win.
If San Antonio goes into Game 5 without their star big man, that could have a massive impact on the remainder of the series.
GettySan Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyma was ejected during Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberweolves
The reactions over Wembanyama’s actions are flowing nonstop. On Monday’s episode of “First Take,” former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins demanded the NBA suspends Wembanyama if it wants to avoid a major reputation hit.
“Do you realize, if that [hit] was a little higher in [Reid’s] temple, we don’t know what could’ve happened,” Perkins argued. … The reality of it is, [there is] no place in the game for that. You cannot do that. And all eyes are watching, because if the NBA decides not to suspend him then they’re sending a message that they prioritize views, stardom and money over persons wellbeing.”
NBA Facing Pressure to Handle Situation Sternly
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 10, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The incident was jarring to say the least. Many are convinced Wembanyama’s play on Reid had intent to it.
Wembanyama is a young, beloved star with no track record of being involved in such incidents, but how he struck Reid with his elbow is drawing passionate reactions. Even from Perkins, who has been a vocal advocate of Wembanyama, is calling for the league to think hard about choosing to discipline the Spurs star.
Said Perkins: “It’s gonna be a horrible look on Adam Silver in the NBA if they allow him to get away with this without suspending him for Game 5. He looked Naz Reid and lined him up and hit with a vicious elbow that could’ve serious injuries to that man. And if they don’t suspend him, it’s gonna tell a lot of fans what the NBA is about. Because it can’t be about protecting players, it’s gonna be about money, views and stardom. And if you do that, you’re sending a horrible message.
The Wolves, meanwhile, are looking to continue their momentum into Game 5. They possess strong postseason experience and have already shown incredible playoff backbone after a major injury to Edwards and a season-ending injury to Donte DiVincenzo.
NBA Receives Strong Warning to Suspend Victor Wembanyama for Game 5