Timberwolves didn’t want Victor Wembanyama getting suspended

Nov 10, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts to a play against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

After his flagrant 2 foul and ejection in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs for elbowing Naz Reid, many fans and media members called for Spurs star Victor Wembanyama to be suspended.

“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,” ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins said on Monday.

“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. And if you do that, you’re sending a horrible message.”

Ultimately, the league elected not to punish Wembanyama further, upholding his eligibility for Game 5 of the series on Tuesday night.

In a revelation that may come as a surprise to Perkins and others who wanted Wembanyama to be suspended, veteran point guard Mike Conley, one of the most respected players not only in Minnesota’s locker room but in the entire NBA, revealed that Minnesota didn’t want any suspension handed down.