Victor Wembanyama suffers first career ejection after elbowing Naz Reid

Victor Wembanyama suffered the first ejection of his career after elbowing Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals.

The San Antonio Spurs star was assessed a flagrant foul penalty two by officials during the second quarter of Sunday’s playoff clash in Minneapolis.

Following a fierce battle for a rebound between two opposing defenders, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year aggressively swung his right arm to clear space.

The forceful motion caught Reid flush on the right side of his jaw and neck area, sending the Minnesota player spinning and crashing heavily to the hardwood.

Automatic dismissal for Spurs standout

Referee Zach Zarba reviewed the physical altercation at the courtside monitor before announcing the severe penalty to the arena.

Under NBA rules, a flagrant two foul is deemed unnecessary and excessive, resulting in an immediate and automatic ejection from the contest.

The 20-year-old Frenchman appeared confused by the unprecedented ruling, visibly asking teammate Harrison Barnes to explain the officials’ decision from the bench.

Playoff tensions boil over

The towering center subsequently departed the floor and headed down the tunnel to the locker room with 8:39 remaining in the first half.

Minnesota held a narrow 36-34 advantage over San Antonio at the exact moment of the dramatic dismissal.

The high-stakes postseason matchup had already featured immense physicality as both franchises battle desperately for a spot in the Western Conference finals.