It has been quite a 24 hours for San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama following his ejection against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4. There had been some concern that Wembanyama could also be suspended by the NBA in addition to his ejection following his elbow connecting with Wolves center Naz Reid.
The NBA passed on handing down further discipline, deciding that ejecting Wembanyama served as enough punishment for the big man. Wembanyama’s frustration boiled over as the star displayed a rare outburst in the second quarter of Game 4 minutes before being ejected.
Yet, tension has been building for some time. During a March interview with NBC Sports, Wembanyama discussed his attempt to play angrier and be more physical given the constant punishment from opponents.
Wembanyama described himself as “pissed” this season on the court.
“I mean, where that’s coming from (is) I have (had) enough of players trying to make it a physical game all the time,” Wembanyama noted during a March 8, 2026, interview with NBC Sports.
“So, dominating physically is the best answer to that. So, that’s where it’s coming from. And also, man, I’m pissed. I don’t know,” Wembanyama continued
“… If you’re going against a guy that’s stronger than you, if he’s pushing as hard as you, I mean, you’re just not going to win. So, I’m not stronger than everybody, but I will get there.”
The NBA Passed on Additional Punishment for Spurs Center Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama avoided an additional suspension or fine for his dangerous elbow. The Spurs center was likely helped by the fact that Wembanyama does not have a track record of violence on the court.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is among those who pushed the NBA to pass on suspending Wembanyama.
“Damn! @wemby’s ejection — unfortunately — was very warranted,” Smith said in a May 10, post on X. “Can’t swing your elbow like that. Very intentional. No debate.
“But I’m praying he doesn’t (get) SUSPENDED for (Game 5), which is very possible. We shouldn’t want decisions like that deciding a series. But we shall see.”
Victor Wembanyama: ‘I’m Going to Fight for This to Death’
Even before the incident with Reid, Wembanyama emphasized his desire to “fight for this to death,” referencing his individual dreams. Following his ejection, it will be interesting to see how Wembanyama responds in Game 5 with the officials now on high alert.
“At the end of the day, it’s a competitive game,” Wembanyama explained. “And we hear, like, it’s our job, okay, but it’s also our dream. That’s what’s important.
“And the one thing I’m going to fight for, even if I lose everything, the one thing I can’t lose is my dreams, you know. So I’m going to fight for this to death.”
Wemby Was Backed by Spurs Players & Coaches Following His Ejection vs. Wolves
Wembanyama has the backing of both his teammates and coaches. Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson publicly supported Wembanyama following his ejection and admitted that he is happy the star stood up for himself amid the physicality of the Wolves.
Spurs center Luke Kornet has had a firsthand look at the punishment that Wembanyama takes each game.
“He’s got a pretty impressive array of cuts and lacerations,” Kornet told San Antonio Spurs on SI’s Matt Guzman, during a May 10, interview. “Obviously, he’s got a lot of limbs. A lot of targets.
“The way he plays, he’s always pretty cut up. It happens. He plays hard and aggressive, so obviously guys are trying to grab and grab him. He does a pretty good job of trying to play through it.”
Wemby’s Angry Warning Resurfaces Amid NBA Punishment Decision for Spurs-Wolves