Wembanyama ejected early as Timberwolves tie series with Spurs

Victor Wembanyama’s first career ejection changed the tone of the Western Conference semifinals in one second-quarter flash, and the Minnesota Timberwolves used it to seize control of Game 4 and level the series.

Wembanyama was tossed after throwing an elbow at Naz Reid during a rugged sequence at Target Center in Minneapolis. Officials upgraded the foul to a Flagrant 2 for excessive contact above the neck, which carries an automatic ejection. As the replay was reviewed, fans chanted, “Kick him out!” and Jaden McDaniels quickly bearhugged Wembanyama, a clear effort to keep the moment from spilling into something worse.

The San Antonio Spurs were already under pressure, carrying a 2-1 series lead into Sunday night after a 115-108 win in Game 3 on Friday, May 8, when Wembanyama had dominated with 39 points and 15 rebounds. Instead of building on that edge, San Antonio lost its centerpiece early in Game 4 and never fully recovered. Minnesota closed out a 114-109 victory to tie the series 2-2.

Anthony Edwards drove the response for the Timberwolves with 36 points, including a decisive closing stretch that matched the emotional turn of the game. Minnesota also had the benefit of more minutes without Wembanyama anchoring the Spurs’ defense, and the extra space showed late as the Wolves found scoring lanes and steadied themselves through the final possession swings.

The series has become a test of both talent and temperament. Minnesota opened with a 104-102 win in Game 1, a night when Edwards returned from injury and scored 18 points, then absorbed Wembanyama’s big Game 3, only to watch Game 4 pivot on a moment of frustration from the Spurs’ franchise centerpiece. For Wembanyama, the ejection was more than a ruling. It was a reminder that in playoff basketball, especially against a targeted star, discipline can matter as much as size, skill, or a 39-point outburst from two nights earlier.