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Minus Stone, Knights come up short in Game 4
Vegas Golden Knights lose Game 4 to Anaheim Ducks, 4-3, without their captain.
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Victor Wembanyama Suspension Is âVery Possible,â Says Stephen A. Smith as Analysts Come to Spurs Starâs Defense
TL;DR
Victor Wembanyama was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid during Game 4 against the Timberwolves. Analysts like Stephen A. Smith suggest a suspension for Wembanyama is likely due to the dangerous nature of the foul.
Key points
- Victor Wembanyama was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid.
- The incident occurred in Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- Stephen A. Smith suggests a suspension is likely for Wembanyama.
- Skip Bayless disagreed with the ejection, citing excessive fouling.
Victor WembanyamaNaz ReidSan Antonio SpursMinnesota Timberwolves
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Victor Wembanyama crossed a line. Heâs been guarded like a pest all series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They were just as physical, leaving a little extra on Wemby in Game 4. However, the Spursâ cornerstone snapped in the second quarter, swinging a ruthless elbow against Naz Reidâs face. Once slowed down, the referees didnât have a choice but to eject the unanimous DPOY for the first time in his playoff career.
Skip Bayless didnât feel Wembanyama should have been tossed. âCOME ON, DONâT THROW WEMBANYAMA OUT OF A GAME 4. THEY WERE ALL OVER HIM, FOULING THE HELL OUT OF HIM. SO HE GOT FRUSTRATED AND FOUGHT BACK. JUST RIDICULOUS,â he wrote on X.
Victor Wembanyamaâs elbow was extremely dangerous. The officials had already called the foul when the Spurs star intentionally hit Reid with an elbow to the face. It unquestionably met the grounds for an ejection. Stephen A. Smith couldnât see it any differently either. However, the ESPN analyst does fear the possible repercussions of Wembyâs hostile action.
âDamn! @wembyâs ejection â unfortunately â was very warranted. Canât swing your elbow like that. Very intentional. No debate. But Iâm praying he doesnât SUSPENDED for Game [5], which is very possible. We shouldnât want decisions like that deciding a series,â Smith wrote on X.
From the action alone, Smith isnât wrong. The league could evaluate the sequence and possibly suspend Wembanyama for Game 4. If they do, it will be because he struck Reid after the whistle, and with a very clear intent of wanting to do so. At the same time, thereâs also a chance the league gives the Spurs star some leeway in the matter.
Victor Wembanyama doesnât have a violent history. Moreover, this is the first time heâs been in a playoff setting. Sometimes, in the heat of emotions, such things happen. The officials handled the situation appropriately by throwing the Spurs star out of the game. However, a suspension might be excessive considering itâs only the first incident.
Q&A
What led to Victor Wembanyama's ejection in Game 4?
Wembanyama was ejected for swinging an elbow at Naz Reid's face after being physically guarded throughout the game.
What are the potential consequences for Wembanyama after his ejection?
Analysts, including Stephen A. Smith, suggest that a suspension for Wembanyama is very possible due to the dangerous nature of his actions.
How did analysts react to Wembanyama's ejection?
Skip Bayless argued that Wembanyama should not have been ejected, citing the physical play against him as a reason for his frustration.
Who was involved in the incident that led to Wembanyama's ejection?
The incident involved Victor Wembanyama and Naz Reid during a playoff game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves.