Spurs HC Mitch Johnson Defends Victor Wembanyama After Ejection
The San Antonio Spurs fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 on Sunday, 114-109. One of the biggest stories of the night was Victor Wembanyama's first career ejection. It happened at 8:39 in the second quarter when Wembanyama secured an offensive rebound.
The two-time All-Star was hounded by Timberwolves forwards Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels. Wembanyama was protecting the ball and swung his right arm. Unfortunately for the Spurs star, his elbow hit Reid in the face, and he fell to the floor. The star was called for a flagrant 2 foul and was ejected from the game. He finished with four points and four rebounds.
Status alert: Victor Wembanyama has been ejected Sunday after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul. pic.twitter.com/G02YylonQE
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 11, 2026
After the contest, head coach Mitch Johnson commented on Wembanyama's ejection. According to Johnson, he was glad that the Spurs star protected himself from the physicality of the postseason.
"I'm glad he took matters into his own hands," Johnson said. "Not in terms of hitting Naz Reid, I want to be very clear about that. I'm glad Naz Reid is okay ... but [Wemby's] going to have to protect himself if [the refs] are not. The amount of physicality that people play with, with him, at some level, you have to protect yourself."
Mitch Johnson on Wemby's ejection:
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 11, 2026
"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 okay ... but [Wemby's] going to have to protect himself if [the refs] are not. The amount of physicality…
Johnson also said that he believes Wembanyama did not intend for Reid to get hurt in the play.
"There was zero intent… I think it would be ridiculous," he added.
De'Aaron Fox and rookie guard Dylan Harper stepped up in Wembanyama's absence. Both players had 24 points apiece. Stephon Castle helped with 20 points on 47.1% shooting. However, that wasn't enough to push the team to a 3-1 lead.
The Western Conference semifinals between the Spurs and Timberwolves are now tied at 2-2. The series will return to San Antonio for Game 5. Fortunately for Wembanyama, he avoided a suspension and will likely play on Tuesday.
According to the NBA Rulebook, a player will receive a one-game suspension if they accumulate four points in the playoffs. A flagrant 1 is equivalent to one point, while a flagrant 2 is worth two points.
Naz Reid Shrugged Off the Flagrant Foul From Victor Wembanyama
Reid was asked about how surprised he was by the elbow from Wembanyama after the game. However, the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year downplayed it and said this:
"Pain is weakness leaving the body, that's it."
Naz Reid on taking an elbow from Wemby:
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 11, 2026
"Pain is weakness leaving the body, that's it."pic.twitter.com/vmLO9VgA6w
Reid played a significant part in the Timberwolves' win. He came off the bench and had 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists on 50.0% shooting. However, the true star for Minnesota was Anthony Edwards, who had 36 points.
Related: Will Victor Wembanyama be Suspended After Flagrant 2, Ejection?
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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 12:00 AM.