Elbow Grease — Wolves Surviving Wemby’s Exit to Knot Series
Elbow Grease — Wolves Surviving Wemby’s Exit to Knot Series
MINNEAPOLIS — They say everything is bigger in Texas, but Victor Wembanyama’s frustration just handed the Minnesota Timberwolves a massive opening in the Great North. In a Game 4 that felt more like a heavyweight bout than a basketball game, the Wolves outlasted a Wembanyama-less San Antonio Spurs 114-109 on Sunday evening, this second-round clash at two games apiece.
The story of the night wasn't just the score; it was the "fateful elbow" that sent Target Center into a frenzy and the Spurs' 7-foot-4 superstar to the locker room way ahead of schedule.
The Ejection Heard 'Round the Twin Cities
Early in the second quarter, the Wolves' relentless physicality finally pushed the Alien over the edge. After being swarmed on a rebound, Wembanyama swung a frustrated elbow into the neck of Naz Reid. Following a lengthy review and a soundtrack of "Throw him out!" from the Minnesota faithful, the officials did exactly that.
It was the first ejection of Wemby's career, and he looked genuinely confused as he pointed to his chest and asked teammates for a translation of "Flagrant 2." While Spurs coach Mitch Johnson defended his star, claiming Wembanyama was just "protecting himself," the league office will now spend Monday deciding if there’s more discipline coming for Game 5.
Ant-Man Takes Over
With the Spurs' defensive cheat code in the locker room, Anthony Edwards decided it was winning time. Edwards dropped 16 of his game-high 36 points in the fourth quarter, including a 27-footer that nearly blew the roof off the arena.
"When every team is missing their best player, everybody plays free," Edwards said afterward, admitting that the Wolves actually struggled initially to adjust to a Wemby-free paint. But when it mattered, "Ant" was the best player on the floor, barking at the crowd and carrying the offensive load.
Key Takeaways
Naz Reid is Built Different: After taking an elbow to the throat and battling a late-game ankle injury, Reid finished with 15 points and nine rebounds. His post-game philosophy? "Pain is weakness leaving the body." That’s some "Raw Sports" energy right there.
The Big Men Feast: Without Wembanyama patrolling the rim, Rudy Gobert (11 pts, 13 reb) and Julius Randle finally found room to breathe, punishing the Spurs’ interior in the closing minutes.
Spurs’ Backcourt Grit: Give credit where it’s due—Dylan Harper and De'Aaron Fox (24 points each) turned the game into a midrange clinic. Even without their centerpiece, the Spurs’ young guards proved they aren't going to just lie down and die.
A Series Reborn: This was the definition of a "must-win." Heading back to San Antonio tied 2-2 is a whole different animal than facing a 3-1 deficit.
Sanchez Sideline: The Stats
Player Points Rebounds Notable
Anthony Edwards (MIN) 36 5 16 in the 4th Quarter
Naz Reid (MIN) 15 9 The ultimate warrior
Dylan Harper (SAS) 24 4 Rookie looks like a vet
De'Aaron Fox (SAS) 24 3 Master of the midrange
The Bottom Line: The Timberwolves showed the resilience we’ve been waiting for, but they’ve got to be more consistent when the opponent's star goes down. All eyes are now on the league office—will Wemby be back for Game 5, or did that elbow just cost the Spurs the series?
Game 5 tips off Tuesday in San Antonio. Expect fireworks.
