Victor Wembanyama Ejected for Elbowing Naz Reid in Spurs' Playoff Loss

The Incident

Victor Wembanyama was ejected for the first time in his NBA career after an elbow to the jaw of Naz Reid as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the San Antonio Spurs to level their playoff series.

Details of the Play

Wembanyama was whistled for an offensive foul as soon as he struck Reid, who had swarmed the Spurs star outside the paint along with teammate Jaden McDaniels after the 7ft 4in Wembanyama rebounded a missed three-pointer by the Spurs.

• The incident occurred during a crucial moment in the game, with the fans at Minnesota's Target Center chanting, 'Kick him out! Kick him out!'
• After a video review of the play, the foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2 for excessive contact above the neck.

The Impact of the Ejection

The penalty triggered an automatic ejection, immediately swinging the balance of the game, which the Timberwolves won 114-109. The best-of-seven series is now level at 2-2.

• When the penalty was announced, Wembanyama appeared to ask teammate Harrison Barnes: 'What does that mean?'
• Reid sank both free throws to give the Timberwolves a 38-34 lead after Wembanyama's ejection.

Wembanyama's Performance

Despite the ejection, Wembanyama had an impressive game prior to the incident, with 39 points on 13-for-18 shooting from the floor in Game 3.

The Series Outlook

With Reid, Julius Randle, and McDaniels in their frontcourt, the Timberwolves have had plenty of muscle and tenacity to send at Wembanyama, setting up a competitive series.