Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals series between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves was marred by a scary moment early in the contest where Spurs star Victor Wembanyama elbowed Minnesota’s Naz Reid.
Wemby was ultimately assessed a flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game, but many, such as ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, felt further punishment was warranted and necessary.
“Well, I’m gonna tell you what, they better do it, and if they don’t, it’s gonna be a horrible look on Adam Silver and the NBA if they allow him to get away with this without suspending him for Game 5,” Perkins said on Monday’s episode of First Take.
“He looked Nas Reid in the eye and lined him up and hit him with a vicious elbow. That could have caused serious injuries to that man. And if they don’t suspend him, it’s going to tell a lot of fans what the NBA is about, because it can’t be about protecting players. It’s going to be about money, views, and stardom.”
However, to the shock of many, the league has opted for no further punishment.
“There will be no further discipline for Spurs star Victor Wembanyama after he was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid in Minnesota on Sunday night, sources tell ESPN. No suspension, no fine. Wembanyama will play in Game 5 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday night in San Antonio,” reported ESPN’s Shams Charania.
There will be no further discipline for Spurs star Victor Wembanyama after he was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid in Minnesota on Sunday night, sources tell ESPN. No suspension, no fine. Wembanyama will play in Game 5 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday night in San Antonio. pic.twitter.com/GOGCbIcbQP
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 11, 2026
While Spurs fans may be breathing more easily now, not everyone online was happy with the verdict.
“I’ve lost all respect sorry this is absolutely rigged for money… Or ratings in not sure which. I won’t be silent, one person wrote on X.
“No suspension, no fine…. Any non-superstar is getting fined WITH a suspension. I understand it, but no player should be above the rules,” someone else posted.
“Adam Silver is a hilarious and shameful individual.. No further punishment for what Wemby done is absolute madness,” another fan added.
“Not even a fine is how you know he’s the new face of the league,” one fan posted.
The officials will need to monitor the situation and ensure things don’t escalate from here throughout the rest of the series.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.