On Sunday evening, the San Antonio Spurs dropped Game 4 of their second round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, leaving things tied at 2-2 heading back home for Game 5. The big story of this game was Victor Wembanyama, who was ejected in the second quarter after a vicious elbow to the neck of Naz Reid that resulted in a flagrant two.
Now, ESPN sports media personality has taken to social media to weigh in on the incident and the ongoing debate as to whether or not Wembanyama should be suspended for Tuesday's pivotal Game 5.
“Damn! @wemby ’s ejection — unfortunately — was very warranted. Can’t swing your elbow like that. Very intentional. No debate. But I’m praying he doesn’t SUSPENDED for Game, which is very possible. We shouldn’t want decisions like that deciding a series. But we shall see,” wrote Smith on X, formerly Twitter.
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The clearly intentional elbow from Wembanyama to Reid was quite shocking, especially considering the star's usual mild-mannered demeanor on the court. There is a precedent for suspensions with previous incidents similar to this one in NBA history, with many fans pointing out Ron Artest's elbow to the head of James Harden well over a decade ago, which resulted in the then-Los Angeles Lakers forward being suspended for seven games.
Of course, the NBA would want nothing more than to have Wembanyama, who they have billed as their future, and possibly present, face of the league, on the court for a crucial Game 5 of this playoff series, but it remains to be seen if their desire to maintain integrity as an organization will overrule that in the end.
In any case, a decision on a potential Wembanyama suspension is expected later in the day on Monday.
On Sunday evening, the San Antonio Spurs dropped Game 4 of their second round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, leaving things tied at 2-2 heading back home for Game 5. The big story of this game was Victor Wembanyama, who was ejected in the second quarter after a vicious elbow to the neck of Naz Reid that resulted in a flagrant two.