Timberwolves win Game 4 after Wembanyama ejection

The Timberwolves tied their playoff series 2-2 with a 114-109 win. This is the first time they have tied the series this year.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

MINNEAPOLIS— The Minnesota Timberwolves leveled their playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs at 2-2, securing a 114-109 victory in Game 4. The contest saw a dramatic shift with the early ejection of Spurs' star Victor Wembanyama in the second quarter, following a flagrant 2 foul for an elbow to the neck of Timberwolves' Naz Reid.

Anthony Edwards spearheaded the Timberwolves' offense, delivering 16 of his game-high 36 points in the crucial fourth quarter. His performance was instrumental in overcoming shaky stretches, including an eight-point deficit early in the fourth quarter. Reid, despite the incident that led to Wembanyama's removal, contributed 15 points and nine rebounds, helping his team close out the game. Rudy Gobert also posted a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.

The Spurs, trailing by three points in the final minute, made a late push orchestrated by Dylan Harper. Harper secured a rebound, drew a foul, and made two free throws, narrowing the gap. However, a follow-up shot by Reid with 40 seconds remaining solidified Minnesota's lead.

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Wembanyama had already made a significant impact before his ejection, scoring 16 points in the first half on 5-of-10 shooting. He also registered six rebounds and a notable plus-21 rating over 12 minutes of play. His early departure left the Spurs to navigate the remainder of the game without their primary offensive force.

This win for the Timberwolves sets up a pivotal Game 5, with the series now heading back to a neutral standing. The ejection of Wembanyama, a key factor in the Spurs' playoff run, raises questions about the team's ability to compete in subsequent games.

Contextual Notes:

  • The Timberwolves' victory ties the second-round playoff series.

  • The ejection occurred in the second quarter of Game 4 on Sunday.

  • Naz Reid was the player on the receiving end of Wembanyama's flagrant foul.

  • Previous games in the series have featured close contests, including a Game 1 thriller where the Timberwolves won on a last-second shot despite a dominant performance from Wembanyama. In that earlier game, Wembanyama scored 18 points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the Timberwolves tie the series against the Spurs in Game 4?
The Minnesota Timberwolves won Game 4 by a score of 114-109, tying the playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs at 2-2. The game changed when Spurs player Victor Wembanyama was ejected in the second quarter.
Q: Why was Victor Wembanyama ejected from Game 4?
Victor Wembanyama was given a flagrant 2 foul and ejected in the second quarter of Game 4 for elbowing Naz Reid in the neck. He had scored 16 points before his ejection.
Q: Who led the Timberwolves in scoring in Game 4?
Anthony Edwards was the top scorer for the Timberwolves in Game 4, putting up 36 points, with 16 of those coming in the important fourth quarter. Naz Reid also contributed 15 points and 9 rebounds.
Q: What happens next in the Timberwolves vs. Spurs playoff series?
With the series now tied 2-2, the Timberwolves and Spurs will play Game 5. The ejection of Wembanyama raises questions about how the Spurs will perform without their key player.