Why was Victor Wembanyama ejected? Explaining Spurs star's Flagrant 2 vs. Timberwolves for elbowing Naz Reid

Victor Wembanyama's first playoff run has been pretty successful thus far, but that abruptly stopped on Sunday in Game 4 against the Timberwolves.

In a close game during the first half, the referees ejected Wembanyama from the game after the Spurs center elbowed Minnesota center Naz Reid. It marked the first ejection of Wembanyama's career and came at a crucial time, with San Antonio up 2-1 in the series and able to extend that advantage on Sunday.

Wembanyama's ejection could prove to be a huge turning point in the series, with Minnesota hoping to tie the series against the Spurs — the center's early exit meant San Antonio needed to find a way to win a road playoff game without its best player.

Here's a breakdown of why Wembanyama was assessed a Flagrant 2 and ejected from the game. 

NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket

Why was Victor Wembanyama ejected? 

Early in the second quarter of Game 4 against the Timberwolves, Wembanyama was ejected from the game after he was given a Flagrant 2 penalty. Wembanyama was assigned that foul after he appeared to intentionally elbow Naz Reid in the head and neck area after the play was over.

Wembanyama was initially given a common foul on the play, but it was upgraded to a Flagrant 2 upon review. Therefore, the Spurs center was tossed from the game.

Minnesota fans chanting “kick him out” after Wemby elbowed Naz Reid 😳 pic.twitter.com/vAUQUWijD0

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 11, 2026

Status alert: Victor Wembanyama has been ejected Sunday after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul. pic.twitter.com/G02YylonQE

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 11, 2026

What is a Flagrant 2 foul?

A player is given a Flagrant 2 if they commit a foul that is considered both unnecessary and excessive, and it leads to an automatic ejection. That is compared to a Flagrant 1, which is assessed only if a foul is considered unnecessary and only includes an ejection if a player commits two Flagrant 1 fouls in the same game. 

The Flagrant 2 call is rare, as referees have a high bar to clear to eject players off one play alone. After Wembanyama was tossed, the broadcast showed him apparently unclear of the Flagrant 2 rules.

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) May 11, 2026

Will Victor Wembanyama be suspended?

A Flagrant 2 foul doesn't mean an automatic suspension, but the NBA will likely review the play to determine whether Wembanyama should be suspended. The league will also take into account that Wembanyama is missing the majority of Game 4 as a result of his ejection.

At the very least, Wembanyama will likely be fined for his actions after the NBA conducts its own review of his elbow vs. Reid.

MORE: How did the draft lottery results impact Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors?