Spurs Coach Mitch Johnson: Victor Wembanyama Had ‘Zero Intent’ in Game 4 Ejection
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San Antonio rookie Victor Wembanyama was tossed with 8:39 left in the second quarter of Game 4 on Sunday after his elbow struck Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid. The infraction, initially called an offensive foul, was upgraded to a Flagrant 2 following video review, triggering an automatic ejection.
Without Wembanyama, the Spurs fell to Minnesota, allowing the Timberwolves to even the series at 2-2. The 7-foot-4 center exited with four points and four rebounds in 12 minutes, a sharp contrast to his dominant Game 3 showing.
During the broadcast, Wembanyama appeared confused by the ruling and was seen asking teammate Harrison Barnes for clarification.
After the game, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged the contact but argued that Wembanyama had no malicious intent. “There was zero intent,” Johnson told reporters. He added that the physical defense Wembanyama routinely faces must be monitored: “If the people in charge of controlling the game and protecting the physicality don’t do that, then at some point he’s going to have to protect himself.”
Johnson said he does not expect additional punishment. The NBA will review the play for potential further action.
Source: Hoops Wire
