Overview
- The NBA, which reviewed Victor Wembanyama’s elbow on Monday, decided against any extra penalty and confirmed he can play in Tuesday’s Game 5.
- Wembanyama was tossed in the second quarter of Sunday’s Game 4 for a Flagrant-2 after his raised elbow struck Naz Reid, and Minnesota won 114-109 to tie the series 2-2.
- A Flagrant-2 in the NBA means the contact was deemed unnecessary and excessive, which triggers an automatic ejection and a league review that can add fines or a suspension.
- Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said the elbow was not intentional and argued officials are not protecting Wembanyama enough against rugged defense, even as video clips circulated that some observers said looked deliberate.
- The 22-year-old had 39 points in Game 3 but only 4 before his first career ejection in Game 4, and his availability now looms large as San Antonio chases its first West finals since 2017.