Victor Wembanyama’s ejection in the San Antonio Spurs‘ Game 4 matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves sparked some serious discussion around the league.
Wembanyama delivered a hard elbow to the face of Minnesota forward Naz Reid early in the second quarter on Sunday night. Upon review, the officiating crew deemed the contact “unnecessary and excessive” with wind up and follow through above the neck.
Wembanyama was issued a flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game.
NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce weighed in with his thoughts on the decision after Game 4, which saw the Timberwolves win with a 114-109 final score.
"In my day it's just a offensive foul and we move on,” Pierce said. “Today, everybody so soft you kick everybody out the game. [They say], ‘Oh he should be in jail for that elbow!’ Get that out of here, bro.
“It's Flagrant 1, let's play on. Let's play our best vs. your best. Let’s not let the refs dictate the series. All right here, give them some free throws, move on. Let them play."
The Spurs put up a good fight without Wembanyama on the court, but the Timberwolves ultimately tied the series at 2-2 heading into Game 5. Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards led the way, scoring a game-high 36 points with 16 points in the fourth quarter.
Wembanyama will receive no further punishment from the NBA, according to league insider Shams Charania of ESPN. The unanimous Defensive Player of the Year will be available to play in Game 5, which tips off at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
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