Key Takeaways
- Victor Wembanyama was ejected from Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals after a flagrant‑2 foul was called for an elbow that struck Naz Reid above the neck.
- The NBA’s video review upgraded the initial offensive foul to a flagrant‑2, triggering an automatic ejection and ending Wembanyama’s night with 8:39 left in the second quarter.
- This ejection marks the earliest an All‑Star has been removed from a playoff game since the play‑by‑play era began in 1997‑98.
- Historically, teams that lose an All‑Star before the fourth quarter have a poor record in playoff games (1‑8).
- Despite the loss and Wembanyama’s absence, the series is tied 2‑2, setting up a decisive Game 5 in San Antonio where the rookie star is expected to return.
- No further disciplinary action will be taken against Wembanyama for the incident, allowing him to play in the upcoming contest.
On May 11, 2026, at 12:42 PM ET, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama will not face any additional league discipline for the elbow he delivered to Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals. Consequently, Wembanyama is cleared to suit up for Game 5, which will be played in San Antonio with the series knotted at two wins apiece.
The incident occurred late in the second quarter of the Spurs’ 114‑109 loss at Minnesota. After Wembanyama grabbed a rebound off a missed three‑pointer, he was immediately swarmed by Reid and Timberwolves teammate Jaden McDaniels. In the scramble, Wembanyama’s elbow made contact with the right side of Reid’s jaw and neck area, sending Reid spinning to the floor. The on‑court officials initially whistled Wembanyama for an offensive foul. However, after a mandatory video review, referee Zach Zarba determined that the contact constituted excessive force above the neck and upgraded the call to a flagrant foul 2.
A flagrant‑2 penalty carries two immediate consequences: the offending player is automatically ejected from the game, and the incident is subject to possible further league review for fines or suspensions. In this case, the review concluded that no additional discipline was warranted, clearing Wembanyama to return for the next contest.
Wembanyama’s ejection came with 8:39 remaining in the second quarter, making it the earliest an All‑Star has been removed from a playoff game since the NBA began tracking play‑by‑play data in the 1997‑98 season. ESPN Research noted that, historically, teams that lose an All‑Star before the fourth quarter have fared poorly in postseason contests, posting a combined record of just 1 win and 8 losses in such scenarios. The Spurs’ loss in Game 4 added to that trend, though the series remains evenly matched.
The Western Conference semifinals are now tied 2‑2 after Minnesota’s victory on Sunday night. Both teams have split the first four games, each protecting home court once and dropping a road game. With the series returning to the Alamodome for Game 5, San Antonio will look to leverage its home‑court advantage and the presence of its 7‑foot‑4 rookie sensation, who has averaged impressive numbers throughout the playoffs despite the early exit in Game 4.
ESPN’s Michael C. Wright contributed to the report, noting that the Spurs’ coaching staff and teammates reacted calmly to the ejection. While on the bench, Wembanyama turned to veteran Harrison Barnes and asked, “What does that mean?”—a moment that underscored the rookie’s surprise at the severity of the call. The league’s decision not to pursue further sanctions suggests that officials viewed the elbow as a reckless but isolated act rather than part of a pattern of dangerous play.
In summary, the flagrant‑2 foul and ensuing ejection of Victor Wembanyama was a pivotal moment in Game 4 that briefly shifted momentum to the Timberwolves. Yet, with no extra discipline looming, the Spurs’ star is cleared to return for Game 5, where his performance could prove decisive in breaking the 2‑2 tie and steering San Antonio toward a potential series lead. The episode also highlights the NBA’s emphasis on protecting players from excessive contact above the neck, a rule that, when enforced, can dramatically alter the flow of playoff basketball.