Wembanyama Ejected in Game 4: Spurs Fall to Timberwolves as Series Ties 2-2

The San Antonio Spurs were on the verge of seizing a commanding lead in the conference semifinals, but a single, violent moment in the second quarter shifted the entire trajectory of Game 4. In a stunning turn of events on Sunday, May 10, Victor Wembanyama was ejected after elbowing Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid, leaving the Spurs shorthanded and ultimately handing the victory to the Timberwolves at the Target Center.

The ejection marks a critical juncture in a series that now stands deadlocked at 2-2. For a San Antonio team that has relied heavily on the generational talent of their 7-foot-4 center, losing him for more than half the game proved to be an insurmountable hurdle. The Timberwolves capitalized on the void, securing a 114-109 win and stealing home-court momentum before the series shifts back to Texas.

The Incident: A Flagrant 2 in the Heat of Battle

The clash occurred with roughly 8:40 remaining in the second quarter. During a scramble for a rebound, Wembanyama swung an elbow that connected flush with Naz Reid’s jaw. The impact sent Reid to the floor and immediately drew the attention of the officiating crew. After a comprehensive review, the referees assessed Wembanyama a Flagrant Foul 2, citing the contact as an unnecessary, non-basketball play involving a wind-up and follow-through.

The atmosphere inside the Target Center turned electric and hostile the moment the review began. Minnesota fans chanted “kick him out” in unison, a demand the officials granted shortly after. It was the first ejection of Wembanyama’s professional career, spanning both the regular season and the postseason.

The scene on the Spurs’ bench highlighted the youth of the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year. Visibly confused by the ruling, Wembanyama was seen asking veteran teammate Harrison Barnes, “What does that mean?” as Barnes explained that a Flagrant 2 carries an automatic disqualification. Wembanyama exited the court to a chorus of boos and cheers, leaving his team to navigate the remaining 32-plus minutes without their primary defensive anchor.

Impact on the Game: Minnesota Seizes Control

At the time of the ejection, the game was a tight contest, with Minnesota holding a slim 36-34 lead. While the Spurs attempted to weather the storm, the loss of Wembanyama’s rim protection and offensive gravity opened the door for the Timberwolves’ attack.

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards took full advantage of the shifted defensive dynamic, pouring in 36 points to lead the Timberwolves’ effort. Julius Randle also provided significant support, contributing 10 points early in the game to help Minnesota build a 44-38 advantage shortly after Wembanyama’s departure.

The Spurs’ struggle became most evident in the fourth quarter. San Antonio fought to keep the game within reach, but the Timberwolves outscored them 34-25 in the final frame to pull away. Luke Kornet stepped in to fill the void at center, but the lack of Wembanyama’s unique versatility was glaring. The French superstar finished the night with just four points and four rebounds in 12 minutes of play.

For those unfamiliar with NBA rules, a Flagrant 2 foul is the most severe non-technical penalty a player can receive. Unlike a Flagrant 1, which allows the player to remain in the game, a Flagrant 2 is an automatic ejection because the league deems the contact “unnecessary and excessive.”

The Stakes: A Series at a Crossroads

This loss is particularly stinging for San Antonio because of the missed opportunity. Had the Spurs won Game 4, they would have headed home to San Antonio with a 3-1 series lead, putting the Timberwolves on the brink of elimination. Instead, the series is reset to a tie, placing immense pressure on Game 5.

The fallout extends beyond the box score. Wembanyama and the Spurs now face the possibility of further disciplinary action from the NBA league office. Depending on the league’s review of the elbow, a suspension for Game 5 is a possibility, which would be a catastrophic blow to the Spurs’ hopes of advancing to the conference finals.

Key Game Statistics

What’s Next for the Spurs and Timberwolves

The series now returns to San Antonio for Game 5 on Tuesday, May 12. The Spurs will be looking to reclaim home-court advantage, but their primary focus will be the availability of Victor Wembanyama. If the league decides the elbow to Naz Reid warrants a suspension, San Antonio will be forced to find a way to beat the Timberwolves without their best player for a second consecutive game.

For Minnesota, the victory provides a massive psychological boost. They have proven they can close out games in hostile environments and have found a way to neutralize the Spurs’ offense when Wembanyama is off the floor.

Next Checkpoint: The NBA league office is expected to announce any further penalties regarding Victor Wembanyama’s ejection prior to the start of Game 5 on Tuesday.

Do you think the league should suspend Wembanyama for Game 5, or was the ejection enough of a penalty? Let us know in the comments below.