The Minnesota Timberwolves evened the Western Conference semifinals series with a 104-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 on Saturday night, but not before Victor Wembanyama became the first player in his rookie season to be ejected from an NBA playoff game. The ejection, resulting from a flagrant foul on Naz Reid, added a dramatic twist to a contest already packed with high stakes and standout performances.

Wembanyama’s First Career Ejection

Wembanyama was ejected early in the second quarter after throwing an elbow at Reid during a rebounding scramble. The foul was upgraded to a flagrant 2 penalty for excessive contact above the neck, a call that triggered an automatic ejection. The incident occurred just 12 minutes into the game, leaving the Spurs without their franchise cornerstone for the remainder of the contest. Wembanyama, who had been dominant in the series, was visibly frustrated but accepted the ejection without further comment.

The ejection marked a turning point for the Timberwolves, who had trailed by as many as 10 points in the first half. With Wembanyama out of the game, Minnesota’s defense tightened, and the team capitalized on the Spurs’ lack of interior presence. Anthony Edwards, who had been nursing an injury, returned to the lineup and delivered a 18-point performance, while Rudy Gobert anchored the Timberwolves’ defense with 12 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Timberwolves Even Series at 2-2

The win pushed the Timberwolves to a 2-2 tie in the series, forcing a Game 5 back in San Antonio. The Spurs, who had led the series 2-1, now face a must-win scenario to avoid falling behind in their own arena. For Minnesota, the victory keeps their playoff hopes alive and sets up a crucial test for both teams in the coming days.

The series has been a rollercoaster, with both teams trading wins in Minnesota and San Antonio. The Timberwolves’ ability to bounce back from adversity, including Wembanyama’s ejection, has been a defining factor in their success. Meanwhile, the Spurs will need to regroup quickly and address their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly without their star center.

Key Takeaways

• Series Tie: The Timberwolves evened the series at 2-2 after winning Game 4, 104-102.
• Wembanyama Ejected: Victor Wembanyama was ejected in the second quarter for a flagrant foul on Naz Reid, his first career playoff ejection.
• Edwards’ Return: Anthony Edwards returned from injury and scored 18 points in the Timberwolves’ victory.
• Gobert’s Impact: Rudy Gobert provided a defensive anchor with 12 rebounds and 3 blocks.
• Spurs’ Challenge: The Spurs must win Game 5 to regain the series lead and avoid falling behind in their own arena.

What’s Next

Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals will be played on Tuesday, May 12, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, with a tip-off time of 9:00 PM CT (UTC-5). The Spurs will look to bounce back from the loss and the absence of Wembanyama, while the Timberwolves will aim to extend their series lead.

For fans of both teams, the stakes have never been higher. The Timberwolves are one win away from taking a commanding 3-2 series lead, while the Spurs are one loss away from facing an elimination game in Minnesota. The next chapter in this playoff drama begins soon.