Earlier this month, Victor Wembanyama sat on the Spurs’ bench as the final seconds drained, head in his hands, tears slipping through his fingers after San Antonio sealed its first playoff series win of the 2026 postseason. It was not joy that overwhelmed him, but the weight of arrival. His first NBA series victory, years of sacrifice rushing back, and the realization that he was no longer a project but the face of a franchise. Cameras caught it all, and by the time he faced reporters, he already knew the reaction coming. A 7-foot-4 superstar, some would say, is not supposed to cry like that.

Critics called it “too emotional” and “soft.” But Wembanyama did not back down. “Personally, I refuse to carry the burden of having to hide my emotions,” he said. He pointed to early mornings in the gym and time spent at a Shaolin-style retreat in Europe, learning to control his intensity. That balance defines him. It also shaped what followed last night, as the Spurs unraveled after his ejection, their edge gone while Anthony Edwards and Minnesota seized momentum with an investigation now looming.

Before Game 4, you’d think the Spurs wouldn’t be worrying too much. That’s because Wemby scored a double-double with 39 points and 15 rebounds. San Antonio had won two consecutive matchups, including one on the road. All they needed to do was hold down the fort. But one split second has changed the complexion of everything now. Regardless, while the Frenchman remains mum, there’s no sense of crypticness coming through from his head coach.

Here’s what went down. With just under nine minutes remaining in the second quarter, the Spurs center appears to have lost his mind outside the paint. He grabbed a rebound over Naz Reid and took a hit while gathering the ball. Jaden McDaniels made the situation physically tougher for Wemby, likely catalyzing the scene. Psst, haven’t we seen that before? The Frenchman immediately looked over his shoulder. Then, bang. He swung his elbow at Reid’s throat…

The referees interjected quickly, and Terrence Shannon Jr. pulled the Timberwolves player to the baseline to avoid any escalation. As officials reviewed the play, the home fans chanted, “Throw him out!” and that was the outcome.

“After review, there is a wind-up impact and follow-through above the neck of an opponent. It is unnecessary and excessive in contact by Wembanyama. It meets all the criteria that has been upgraded to a Flagrant foul penalty 2. Wembanyama has been ejected,” said the referee on the mic. This was the first time he was ejected from a game in his career, and his reaction said it all.

Cameras panned to Wemby after the decision, and he asked, “What does it mean? I’m ejected?” to his veteran teammate, Harrison Barnes.

After realizing the verdict, he then got up, cheered his teammates, high-fiving every player and staff member he could find on the bench. His ejection came with the Wolves holding a slim 2-point lead and backup center Luke Kornet struggling in his minutes for most of the series. But after the game, Mitch Johnson was not critical of his player’s actions. He, in fact, subtly supported that Wemby did what he did.

“He’s gotten chucked, he’s gotten pushed down in transition, running freely, all the stuff, he doesn’t complain one time,” the Spurs coach said after the game. “We don’t complain because we’re just going to play. We don’t really give a s***, excuse my language. But at some stage, he should be protected. And if not, he’s gonna have to protect himself, and unfortunately, stuff like that happens.” This decision, however, could affect the following games as well.

A Flagrant 2 does not automatically result in a suspension, but the NBA can review dangerous plays and issue additional discipline when warranted. The NBA, for sure, is big on punishing repeat offenders with heavier degrees of fines and suspensions. But considering Wemby’s good behavioral record all these years, he may be let off easy.

It could mean shrinking a two-game ban to a one-game ban. Do remember, though, that we’re in a high-stakes phase of the season. When asked about the suspension element, coach Johnson made sure to let the officials know a crucial detail from what had transpired.

“I don’t know the legality or the rules, but there was zero intent,” Johnson clarified. “They did what they did because of the outcome of the play, so be it. But to have anything on top of that would be ridiculous.” Reid remained in the game, scoring 15 points and nine rebounds. He also powered through an ankle injury in the fourth quarter, like his team’s cornerstone, Ant, has been pushing through a knee injury.

Update: The NBA announced Victor Wembanyama will face no suspension or fine following his Flagrant 2 ejection in game 4 against the Timberwolves.

“Pain is weakness leaving the body,” Reid said after the game. “That’s it.” No doubt, that was a statement of resilience from the Timberwolves star. Considering the traction this incident has garnered, there’ll most certainly be a thorough postgame investigation. Regardless, the widespread opinion on the internet paints a skewed picture.

Fans only want one thing to happen with Victor Wembanyama: Should the NBA punish its future icon because of a mere blow-up in frustration?

Victor Wembanyama was first hit in the face by Jaden McDaniels (if you watch that replay closely), and perhaps that frustration led to the elbow. For now, it remains an ejection and a minimum fine of $2,000. But fans want more.

“This should be a suspension. 2 games. minimum. Honestly, if I’m the league, I might consider a 250k fine and you get to play next season This is dangerous. He looked him in the eye, thought about it and elbowed a guy in the throat,” a netizen commented. Another fan did not ask for a one-game suspension; instead… “He should be given 3 games ban.”

We have already seen in the 2023 playoffs, when Draymond Green was first ejected for stepping on Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis’ chest. Later, the league suspended the Warriors veteran for one game and docked his pay. Even though player reputation plays a big role in these decisions, one fan wants a similar decision no matter what. “Not only ejected but should be suspended next game 🤷‍♂️.” It is quite clear what people want from this incident. In the meantime, though, let’s show you how the Spurs star has been manhandled.

In the previous game, Wemby was pinned by Rudy Gobert, who tugged his arm from behind during a fight for a rebound. And then the Spurs star was forcefully held back by Ant, who pulled his jersey on the resulting fastbreak. The Frenchman gave up the run and showed his frustration at the no-call. Again, in Game 4, some calls went against Wemby. It was likely a buildup of frustration, and he took it all out on Reid. And that’s why fans are not backing down. “Thats ejection and suspension. F****** despicable!!!”

As the official said that it was a wind-up, and the actions were serious and intentional, another netizen pointed out the obvious. “Obvious ejection and tbh suspension too. There’s no basketball play, wind up and follow thru and it’s way beyond what the play called for. Frustration got to him.”

While we await the league’s decision, here’s a brief overview of what comes next. The series moves back to San Antonio for Game 5, followed by Game 6 in Minnesota. If this extends to Game 7, that’ll go back to the Spurs’ home because of their superior seed.

So, if you zoom out of the picture, Mitch Johnson’s team still has the advantage here. Should they lose Wemby for a game, it’ll be for their home game. Without the Frenchman, the Spurs are 5-3 at home this season.

It was against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 3 when the Spurs played without their star center due to concussion protocol. They ended up winning that away game, thanks to Stephon Castle’s 33-point contribution. So, this team has the talent to even push through without its generational star. And with surprise training sessions from Coach Pop himself, be assured that they’ll come prepared for any and every challenge.