Spurs coach Mitch Johnson defends Victor Wembanyama after first ejection

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama scored a career-low four points in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinals series Sunday in Minneapolis. Photo by John G. Mabanglo/EPA May 11 (UPI) -- San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said he was glad Victor Wembanyama "took matters into his own hands" after he elbowed Naz Reid in the neck and jaw, triggering an ejection during a playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Wembanyama's first career ejection occurred in the second quarter of the Timberwolves' 114-109 win in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals series Sunday in Minneapolis. The NBA MVP finalist scored a career-low four points. Johnson took officials to task for alleged missed calls committed against the Spurs star, which he believes led to the outburst.

"It's really disappointing," Johnson said. "At some level, it's starting to get disgusting in terms of when he tries to fight through things and be professional and mature and deal with some of that stuff. "I'm glad he took matters into his own hands.

Not in terms of hitting Naz Reid, I want to be very clear about that. I'm glad Naz Reid is OK and I didn't want him to elbow him, but he's going to have to protect himself if they're [referees] not. And I think it's disgusting.