Naz Reid played a key role in the Timberwolves' 114-109 victory over the Spurs, contributing 15 points and nine rebounds. His night took a turn when Victor Wembanyama was ejected for elbowing him during the game.
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Naz Reid became central to the Minnesota Timberwolvesâ 114-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs, helping them level the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2 on Sunday.
Reid finished with 15 points and nine rebounds, giving Minnesota important production as Anthony Edwards powered the fourth-quarter push that finally separated the teams.
Yet his night became bigger than the box score after Victor Wembanyama was ejected for striking him with an elbow during a second-quarter rebounding battle.
Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Reid was asked afterwards whether the elbow surprised him, how much it hurt, and whether he had been hit like that before.
His answer was short enough to land instantly. âPain is weakness leaving the body, thatâs it,â the 26-year-old stated, turning a serious flashpoint into a deadpan postgame moment.
The line left Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu laughing beside him.
Wembanyama was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected, ending his night early and forcing San Antonio to adjust without their most disruptive defender.
The incident did not arrive in isolation for some Spurs fans, who quickly pointed back to a resurfaced clip of Reid shoving Wembanyama while running.
That clip was used online to suggest the Frenchmanâs outburst dates back to past games, although it remains fan context rather than proof of intent.
What is clear is that this series has become increasingly sharp around the two big men, with every collision now carrying extra meaning.
Victor Wembanyama was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid during a rebounding battle in the second quarter.
Naz Reid scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds, significantly contributing to the Timberwolves' win.
The Timberwolves won the game 114-109, leveling the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2.
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And the tension around Wembanyamaâs ejection will follow the series into Game 5.
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