In a dramatic turn during the fourth game of the Western Conference semifinals, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was ejected for elbowing Minnesota Timberwolves' Naz Reid, leading to a 114-109 victory for Minnesota and tying the series 2-2.

The incident occurred less than nine minutes before the end of the first half. After a missed Spurs' three-point shot, Wembanyama grabbed a rebound but was immediately surrounded by Reid and Jaden McDaniels. Under pressure and frustrated by the aggressive play, the French player swung his elbow, hitting Reid squarely in the chest. The game was immediately halted as Reid fell to the court.

After reviewing the footage, which prompted the Minneapolis arena to chant "Eject him!", the referees upgraded the foul from a Flagrant 1 to a Flagrant 2, automatically resulting in Wembanyama's ejection. This marked the first time Wembanyama had been removed from an NBA game.

Upon the decision, Wembanyama turned to teammate Harrison Barnes, visibly confused, asking, "What does this mean?" Barnes whispered an explanation, and Wembanyama, in disbelief, pointed to himself and repeated, "I'm ejected?"

San Antonio's head coach Mitch Johnson criticized the referees for not protecting his star player adequately, arguing that the amount of physicality Wembanyama faces is excessive. Johnson believes Wembanyama did not intend to harm Reid and that a suspension would be "ridiculous."

The ejection significantly altered the course of the game. Minnesota, led by Anthony Edwards, who scored 36 points (16 in the fourth quarter), secured a crucial win. The series now shifts to San Antonio for the fifth game, with the NBA set to decide if Wembanyama will face additional penalties.