Stephen A. Smith Believes Victor Wembanyama’s Ejection Was 'Very Warranted' and Fears Suspension

The concern now centers on whether the NBA views the play as frustration boiling over or as something warranting additional punishment. Victor Wembanyama has no history of violent conduct, which could work in his favor when the league office reviews the sequence.

Before the ejection, Minnesota’s physical defense had clearly frustrated the 22-year-old star. The Frenchman managed just four points, committed three fouls, and never found rhythm offensively. 

After he exited, the Timberwolves seized momentum behind Anthony Edwards, who erupted for 16 fourth-quarter points to help Minnesota even the series 2-2.

Even without Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs stayed competitive deep into the fourth quarter, but his absence opened the paint for Minnesota’s offense and changed the flow of the game.

Should The NBA Suspend Victor Wembanyama?

Now that both teams are moving to Game 5, the baggage from Game 4 still remains with the Spurs. However, now, whether Victor Wembanyama should be suspended has quickly become the defining question ahead of Game 5.

Apart from all the fuss, the NBA must now determine whether the ejection alone was sufficient punishment.

There is a real argument on both sides. The replay clearly showed Victor Wembanyama swinging his elbow high enough to catch Reid near the chin and neck area. In real time, it looked reckless and intentional enough for officials to justify an automatic ejection.

At the same time, several factors may work in Wembanyama’s favor. Reid did not sustain any injury. The sequence occurred during an extremely physical playoff game in which contact had escalated on both ends throughout the night.

It was Wemby’s first career ejection playing in the league. That record matters because the NBA typically reserves suspensions for actions viewed as excessively dangerous or malicious. Cases like Dillon Brooks’ injury to Gary Payton II in 2022 involved far more severe outcomes.

That said, as of now, most league observers expect Victor Wembanyama to avoid suspension and instead receive only the Flagrant 2 ejection and likely a financial fine.