San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was sent off for the first time in his career after hitting Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid.
The incident occurred during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals when Wembanyama was ejected from the game with 8:39 left in the second quarter after an elbow to the jaw from Naz Reid.
The act was rated Flagrant 2, including unnecessary and excessive contact.
The ejection marks the first of an All-Star in a playoff game since the NBA began keeping play-by-play data in 1997-98.
Spurs rookie Dylan Harper sat in stunned silence after Wembanyama threw the elbow. His viral response took the internet by storm and captured the public’s attention.
It was a complete departure from Wembanyama’s usual composed attitude as he was not the one to show any physical outbursts during the match. His strike left many people stunned.
Coach Mitch Johnson called the lack of official protection for Wembanyama ‘disgusting’, suggesting Wembanyama was forced to protect himself due to the defender’s constant uncalled-for physicality.
“It’s starting to get disgusting as he tries to fight through it and be professional and mature and deal with some of that stuff. I’m glad he’s taken matters into his own hands. Not in terms of punching Naz Reid, but he’s going to have to protect himself if he doesn’t. And I think it’s disgusting,” Johnson said.
Despite losing their star player so early in the match, Spurs remained competitive but ultimately lost 114-109.
A Flagrant 2 carries an automatic $2,000 fine and is subject to further review by the NBA league office for possible suspension or additional fines. It also remains to be seen whether Wembanyama will play in Game 5 or not.
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in San Antonio.
