What Gregg Popovich did after Victor Wembanyama elbowed Naz Reid in the face is going viral

In the video, Popovich can be seen talking with Wembanyama, turning the moment into a clear example of his continued influence around the Spurs.

He was ejected after striking Naz Reid with an elbow, leaving the Spurs without their biggest player in a tight game. Popovich’s appearance suggested the conversation was too important to wait.

Whether it was guidance, reassurance, or accountability, he made sure Wembanyama heard it directly.

Victor Wembanyama’s elbow incident changed the San Antonio Spurs’ series tone

The elbow incident occurred in Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, when Wembanyama secured an offensive rebound and struck Reid near the face and neck area while trying to clear space.

Officials reviewed the play and assessed Wembanyama a Flagrant 2 foul, which led to his ejection. He finished with only four points and four rebounds in 12 minutes.

San Antonio went on to lose 114-109, allowing Minnesota to tie the series at 2-2. That made the ejection more costly than a normal in-game mistake.

The NBA later decided Wembanyama would not face any extra discipline. There was no fine and no suspension, leaving him available for Game 5.

That outcome kept the Spurs’ playoff hopes intact, but the moment still carried weight. Wembanyama is learning how physical teams will play him, and how quickly one reaction can reshape a game.

Popovich meeting him at the airport showed why the Spurs still lean on his presence. For Wembanyama, this was not just a foul to move past; it was a lesson in how franchise players handle pressure.

Read more:

• Kendrick Perkins sounds off on NBA’s greed after Victor Wembanyama avoids suspension
• How Draymond Green wants Timberwolves to take revenge for Victor Wembanyama’s brutal elbow on Naz Reid
• Draymond Green sends pointed message after Victor Wembanyama’s ejection for Naz Reid elbow