NBA Opts Against Further Discipline for Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama After Game 4 Ejection
nba-opts-against-further-discipline-for-spurs-victor-wembanyama-after-game-4-ejection
The NBA will not issue a fine or suspension to San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama following his Game 4 ejection against the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Wembanyama was assessed a flagrant 2 and removed late in the second quarter on Sunday night after elbowing Timberwolves forward Naz Reid. The ruling came after an in-game review that upgraded the initial offensive-foul call. Despite the automatic ejection, league officials determined no additional punishment was warranted, clearing the 7-foot-4 rookie to play in Tuesday’s pivotal Game 5 in San Antonio.
Before leaving the floor, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year had four points and four rebounds in 12 minutes. His absence loomed large as Minnesota closed out a 114-109 victory, outscoring the Spurs 34-25 in the fourth quarter to even the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2. Wembanyama had posted 39 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in Game 3, which gave San Antonio a brief 2-1 series lead.
Head coach Mitch Johnson labeled the prospect of a suspension “ridiculous” in his postgame remarks. While ejected players are typically fined upon league review, the decision to waive all penalties could draw scrutiny over potential preferential treatment for the Spurs’ star.
Source: Hoops Rumors
