Spurs coach Johnson defends Wembanyama after first career ejection and says treatment of French star is "disgusting"

"Wembanyama was tossed after being called for a flagrant 2 for excessive contact above the neck. The incident occurred early in the second quarter when he tussled with a couple of Minnesota Timberwolves players as they jostled to collect a rebound. NBA Defensive Player of the Year Wembanyama lost his cool and threw an elbow into the neck of Naz Reid, bringing an early end to his evening."

"Johnson indicated it was only a matter of time before this kind of issue arose such was the physicality Wembanyama was subjected to on a regular basis. "Just the amount of physicality that people play with him, at some level, you have to protect yourself," Johnson said. "Every single play on every single part of the floor, people are trying to impose their physicality on you. He's gotten pushed down in transition, running freely.""

""We don't complain because we're just going to play. We don't really give a s-. But at some stage, he should be protected. If not, he's going to have to protect himself, and unfortunately, stuff like that happens. "It's starting to get disgusting in terms of when he tries to fight through things, be professional and mature and deal with some of that stuff. I'm glad he took matters into his own hands. Not in terms of hitting Naz Reid, but he's going to have to protect himself if they're not. And I think it's disgusting.""

"The Timberwolves took full advantage by winning Game Four 114-109 to level the series at 2-2. The Spurs fought hard without their main man, Dylan Harper scoring 24 points and Stephon Castle adding 20."

Victor Wembanyama received his first career ejection after being called for a flagrant 2 for excessive contact above the neck. The incident happened early in the second quarter during a rebound scramble with Minnesota Timberwolves players. Wembanyama lost control and threw an elbow into Naz Reid’s neck, ending his night. Minnesota used the advantage to win 114-109 in Game Four and tie the series 2-2. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson called the treatment Wembanyama receives “disgusting,” saying the level of physicality forces him to protect himself. Johnson said the issue was not about hitting Reid, but about needing protection when opponents repeatedly impose physicality.

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