For better or worse, Victor Wembanyama's Game 4 ejection changed complexion of the series — and his first playoff arc

As Victor Wembanyama sat patiently on the Spurs bench, awaiting a verdict while the officials — who had taken on the role of jury — deliberated over a vicious elbow to Timberwolves forward Naz Reid’s throat, a wave of innocence softly washed over the Frenchman. A few moments earlier, the 22-year-old had participated in the group huddle like he normally would during a timeout, clapped his hands following head coach Mitch Johnson’s message to the team and stood up, preparing to check back into the game. Even when the final call echoed through the walls of an emotionally charged Target Center, issuing Wembanyama the first Flagrant 2 foul and subsequent ejection of his career , he motioned to Harrison Barnes to quickly disseminate the message.

What just happened? The playoffs are lauded for the uptick in aggression and urgency, but on Sunday evening, Wembanyama crossed a line. Perhaps his momentarily lapse of judgment was a snowball effect of physicality that was weighing on his broad shoulders — he had scored just four points on 2-for-5 shooting at the time of the offense — but in a series of runs and momentum, Wembanyama’s actions cost his team a chance at taking a commanding 3-1 series lead.

“I just think the amount of physicality that people play with him, at some level you have to protect yourself,” head coach Mitch Johnson said following San Antonio’s 114-109 loss that evened the West semis at 2-2. “Every single play on every single part of the floor, people are trying to impose their physicality on him. We don’t complain because we’re just gonna play, we don’t really give a s***.

But at some stage, he should be protected, and if not, he’ll have to protect himself and unfortunately stuff like that happens. ” Such is the duality of basketball in the spring; the postseason giveth and taketh away. Less than 48 hours ago, Wembanyama put on one of the greatest displays in NBA history — 39 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks on the road on 13-for-18 shooting.