Wembanyama Game 5 Status Uncertain as Draymond Green Urges Timberwolves to 'Elbow Him Back' |
MINNEAPOLIS — Victor Wembanyama's availability for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals remains in doubt Monday as the NBA reviews his flagrant-2 ejection from Sunday's loss, while Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green openly encouraged the Minnesota Timberwolves to retaliate physically against the Spurs superstar.
Green, appearing on his podcast, did not hold back when discussing the controversial play in which Wembanyama was ejected for swinging an elbow into Naz Reid's jaw and neck area. "Who's gonna elbow him in the face?" Green asked pointedly. "Somebody's got to send a message. You can't let that slide in the playoffs."
The comments quickly went viral, adding another layer of intensity to an already physical series now tied 2-2 heading into Tuesday night's pivotal Game 5 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
League review underway
NBA officials are examining the incident for possible supplemental discipline. While flagrant-2 ejections do not carry automatic suspensions, contact above the shoulders in the playoffs often results in at least a one-game ban. Wembanyama, who had been dominant through the first three games, appeared stunned by the ejection and later expressed regret for the outcome while defending his physical play in a hard-fought series.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson pushed back strongly against any suspension, calling it "ridiculous" and insisting there was no malicious intent. "He's protecting himself out there," Johnson said. "The physicality has been ramped up on both sides."
Reid, who absorbed the elbow, downplayed the hit after the game, saying he was fine and that "basketball happens." However, the Timberwolves have privately........