Spurs star Wembanyama makes history with first career ejection in Game 4
Referee Zach Zarba upgrades contact to automatic ejection as Spurs hold 2-1 series lead
The San Antonio Spurs suffered a significant disciplinary blow on Sunday, 11 May 2026, as star centre Victor Wembanyama became the first in his career to be ejected from an NBA game. The incident occurred early in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Following a rebound play, Wembanyama threw an elbow that struck the throat of Timberwolves forward Naz Reid. Referee Zach Zarba reviewed the contact, which was determined to be excessive above the neck, and upgraded the foul to a flagrant 2. This specific penalty mandates an automatic ejection, removing the 7-foot-4 player from the contest immediately.
The ejection came after Reid had swarmed Wembanyama along with teammate Jaden McDaniels following a missed three-pointer by the Spurs. The contact sent Reid spinning and crashing to the floor, prompting a swift video review. At the time of the infraction, the Timberwolves held a narrow 38-34 lead after Reid successfully sank both free throws.
Wembanyama had played 13 minutes before leaving the court, recording four points, four rebounds and three fouls. While sitting on the bench during the timeout following the ruling, the Spurs star appeared to ask teammate Harrison Barnes for clarification on the meaning of a flagrant 2. The incident marks a stark contrast to the Spurs' previous performance, having taken a 2-1 series lead with an 115-108 victory in Game 3 on Friday.
The atmosphere in Minneapolis turned tense immediately after the play, with Minnesota fans chanting "kick him out" in response to the incident. As Wembanyama shook hands with his teammates on his way off the floor, the arena sound system played Michael Jackson's "Beat it". The Spurs entered the night with a 2-1 series advantage, though the final result of Game 4 and the updated series standing remain unconfirmed.
This event underscores the strict enforcement of conduct rules during the playoffs, particularly regarding contact in the head and neck region. The Spurs will now look to regroup without their marquee defensive presence as the series continues at the Target Center.
