Stephen A. Smith believes Victor Wembanyama deserved more than an ejection after his controversial elbow on Naz Reid during Game 4 between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Smith argued that the NBA would only avoid suspending Wembanyama because of his superstar status and the league’s desire to keep him on the court for a pivotal Game 5.
“We all know the only reason if Wemby doesn’t get suspended is because he’s Victor Wembanyama and everybody wants to see him play. That might save him, but the play itself warrants a suspension for Game 5.”
The incident happened in the second quarter of Minnesota’s 114-109 Game 4 victory. After fighting for an offensive rebound against Reid and Jaden McDaniels, Wembanyama swung his elbow backward and caught Reid directly in the jaw. Officials reviewed the play and quickly upgraded the foul to a Flagrant 2, leading to the first ejection of Wembanyama’s NBA career.
Before getting tossed, Wembanyama had four points and four rebounds in just 12 minutes. Reid stayed in the game despite briefly collapsing to the floor after the contact. Later, Reid gave a cold response when asked about the shot to the face.
The ejection completely changed the flow of the matchup. Minnesota immediately became more aggressive, attacking the paint without Wembanyama protecting the rim, while San Antonio lost its defensive anchor and emotional centerpiece.
Even Anthony Edwards admitted the game became strange after Wembanyama left, saying the Spurs actually played ‘harder’ to defend because the offense became more free-flowing without everything revolving around the 7-foot-5 superstar.
Still, there is no denying how dominant Wembanyama has been throughout the postseason. In the 2026 playoffs, he has averaged 21.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.0 blocks per game while anchoring San Antonio on both ends of the floor. His defensive impact has especially transformed the Spurs into one of the toughest playoff teams in the Western Conference.
The series itself has become increasingly physical. Minnesota has repeatedly attacked Wembanyama’s body, and Spurs coach Mitch Johnson hinted afterward that the organization feels officials have allowed opponents to be overly physical with him. Johnson defended Wembanyama emotionally, standing up for himself, although he admitted the elbow crossed the line.
Now all eyes turn toward the NBA league office. Historically, playoff suspensions for Flagrant 2 fouls often depend on intent, force, and injury outcome. Reid avoided serious injury, which likely helps Wembanyama’s case, but Smith’s argument centers around consistency. If another player delivered the exact same elbow, many around the league believe a one-game suspension would already be expected.
Game 5 now becomes one of the biggest decisions of the postseason. If Wembanyama plays, the Spurs regain their franchise centerpiece with the series tied 2-2. If the NBA suspends him, Minnesota suddenly gains a massive advantage heading back to San Antonio.
