The San Antonio Spurs fell 114-109 in a narrow loss, but the bigger story was Victor Wembanyama’s ejection after striking an opponent, evening the series at 2-2.
Wembanyama was ejected with 13 minutes remaining in the game after accumulating 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 fouls. It marked his first playoff ejection. Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson voiced strong support for the rookie’s self-defense actions afterward. “I’m glad he handled it himself,” Johnson said.
However, Johnson quickly clarified he was not endorsing the punch thrown at Naz Reid. “I’m not talking about the punch on Reid—that needs to be clear. I’m glad Reid is okay… But if the officials aren’t going to protect him, he has to protect himself to some extent,” Johnson explained. He emphasized the intense physical defense Wembanyama is facing, stating, “The physicality being used against him—at some point, he has to defend himself.”
With the series now tied, the key question heading into Game 5 is whether Wembanyama’s ejection could lead to further discipline, such as a suspension. 
