What Wolves and Spurs must change to turn the series around
The Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs are looking for answers. Here are the adjustments that could swing the momentum back in their favor.
The San Antonio Spurs missed a chance to take a commanding lead in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, largely due to Victor Wembaneyama’s second-quarter ejection.
Now they can breathe a sigh of relief.
Wenbanyama avoided suspension and will not face further disciplinary action for the right elbow he threw at Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid in Game 4, which Minnesota ultimately won 114-109 on Sunday, May 10, the NBA announced on Monday, May 11.
This is a big relief for San Antonio, which is currently tied 2-2 in the series. Wenbanyama is the team’s best player and perhaps the most impactful player on both ends of the floor in the entire NBA.
ESPN first reported the news that Wenbanyama had avoided suspension.
Once he left the game, the Timberwolves were more free to attack in the paint, taking advantage of the empty space left by Wembaneyama down low.
Wenbanyama committed a foul 8 minutes and 39 seconds into the second quarter.
During the play, Wembaneyama was scuffling with Reed and Jayden McDaniels after Wembaneyama grabbed a rebound. Reed and McDaniels both tried to grab the ball, trying to pry it from Wenbanyama’s hands. Wenbanyama then propped up his right elbow and threw towards Reed, hitting him in the neck area.
Reed immediately fell to the court as McDaniels continued to try to wrap the ball. Officials blew the whistle to separate the two sides. Ultimately, they reviewed the play and determined the contact was “unnecessary and excessive” and raised the red-handed foul penalty to two, with an automatic ejection.
Wembaneyama looked surprised on the bench and didn’t seem to know the rules regarding flagrant fouls. This was Wenbanyama’s first ejection in his career, and as he exited the court, he excited his teammates, clapping and gesturing to the crowd.
Wenbanyama played just 12 minutes and 29 seconds and left the game with 4 points on 2-of-5 shooting, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist.
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12th at 8pm ET.
