Victor Wembanyama’s immediate reaction after getting ejected
San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama’s initial reaction moments before his ejection was pure confusion. The 22-year-old was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. At the 8:39 mark in the second quarter, Wembanyama positioned for a rebound .
He was swarmed by Naz Reid. The Frenchman threw an elbow that connected square on Reid’s jaw. MORE: How to live stream Spurs vs Timberwolves: NBA Playoffs, TV channel Officials reviewed the play and deemed the contact excessive, ruling it a follow-through above the neck of an opponent.
The call warranted an automatic ejection. Wembanyama finished with four points and four rebounds in 13 minutes in the first ejection of his career . Victor Wembanyama left confused by ejection San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama | Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Cameras caught Wembanyama seated on the bench as referees delivered their verdict.
He did not appear to understand the ruling after officials confirmed the Flagrant 2. The two-time All-Star had to clarify with veteran teammate Harrison Barnes before heading to the locker room. The Timberwolves’ physicality may be starting to get to Wembanyama.
The ejection was uncharacteristic for the Spurs star, who is typically calm and collected on the floor. Without their best player, Minnesota pounced. The Timberwolves tied the series 2-2 with a 114-109 win at Target Center.