Spurs’ Mitch Johnson on Victor Wembanyama ejection: ‘Zero intent’

The Spurs were without Victor Wembanyama for most of Game 4.

Wembanyama was ejected in the second quarter after an elbow connected with Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The play was initially ruled an offensive foul before being upgraded to a flagrant 2 upon review, resulting in an automatic ejection, per ESPN’s Michael C. Wright.

The incident came with 8:39 remaining in the second quarter. Minnesota went on to win and even the series at 2-2.

Wembanyama appeared unsure of the call on the broadcast, at one point asking Harrison Barnes for clarification. He finished with four points and four rebounds in 12 minutes after a dominant Game 3 performance.

Afterward, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged the contact but pointed to the physical nature of how Wembanyama is defended.

“It’s getting to a point that if the people that are in charge of controlling the game and protecting the physicality of the game don’t do that, then at some point he’s going to have to protect himself,” Johnson said, via the San Antonio Express-News’ Tom Orsborn.

Johnson added that he didn’t believe any further discipline would be warranted.

“There was zero intent,” he said.

The play is expected to be reviewed by the league office for possible additional action.