“He Took Matter Into His Own Hands”: Victor Wembanyama’s Controversial Elbow Gets Backed by Mitch Johnson for One Reason

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Victor Wembanyama’s uncharacteristic ejection in the first half changed everything. The San Antonio Spurs lost the most influential player of the series with a chance to go up 3-1. Wemby’s elbow showcased inexperience, a player who is playing in the playoffs for the first time. There wasn’t a consideration for the consequences, which have now landed the Spurs in a tricky position after four games.

However, Mitch Johnson sympathized with the 22-year-old. “I just think that the amount of physicality that people play with him, at some level, you have to protect yourself. Every single play on every single part of the floor, people are trying to impose their physicality on him,” said the Spurs head coach.

Last game, Rudy Gobert held Wembanyama’s hand to prevent a block. Anthony Edwards followed it up with an identical action that referees overlooked. Other times, it’s been Julius Randle pinning the Spurs center using his strength. Even today, Wemby battled Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels and still couldn’t get a clean rebound.

So, Mitch Johnson didn’t look at it as an immature reaction from Wembanyama. The Spurs head coach blamed officials for pushing the reigning DPOY to reach the end of his patience, leaving him with no other choice.

“I’m glad he took matters into his own hands… [Wemby’s] going to have to protect himself if [the refs] are not. The amount of physicality that people play with, with him, at some level, you have to protect yourself,” said Mitch Johnson.

To clarify, the Spurs head coach didn’t want Naz Reid to get with an elbow. Johnson was glad to see the Timberwolves center wasn’t seriously injured. Johnson used the moment to direct the officials’ attention towards Wembanyama. Standing at 7’4”, most of the human ways of upsetting a player’s rhythm don’t work on Wemby. The Timberwolves also thrive when playing with physicality, no matter the risk-reward ratio.

In this case, Johnson feels there needs to be more balance. But would that also mean paying greater attention to some of Wembanyama’s defensive actions? Chris Finch was very vocal in calling out the goaltends during his historic 12-block performance. So maybe this goes both ways. The referees need to be better, looks like that’s the takeaway from Johnson’s postgame rant.