Lack of punishment for Victor Wembanyama sparks outrage

May 10, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) commits a level two flagrant foul against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the second quarter of game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Wembanyama had to leave the game. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals series between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves was marred by a scary moment early in the contest where Spurs star Victor Wembanyama elbowed Minnesota’s Naz Reid.

Wemby was ultimately assessed a flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game, but many, such as ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, felt further punishment was warranted and necessary.

“Well, I’m gonna tell you what, they better do it, and if they don’t, it’s gonna be a horrible look on Adam Silver and the NBA if they allow him to get away with this without suspending him for Game 5,” Perkins said on Monday’s episode of First Take.

“He looked Nas Reid in the eye and lined him up and hit him with a vicious elbow. That could have caused serious injuries to that man. And if they don’t suspend him, it’s going to tell a lot of fans what the NBA is about, because it can’t be about protecting players. It’s going to be about money, views, and stardom.”

However, to the shock of many, the league has opted for no further punishment.

“There will be no further discipline for Spurs star Victor Wembanyama after he was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid in Minnesota on Sunday night, sources tell ESPN. No suspension, no fine. Wembanyama will play in Game 5 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday night in ,” reported ESPN’s Shams Charania.