San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson is pleased to see Victor Wembanyama beginning to understand how to protect himself on the court, following an incident where the rookie was ejected for elbowing Minnesota Timberwolves’ Naz Reid in the head during Game 4 of their playoff series.
The ejection came after Wembanyama swung an elbow that struck Reid, a clear blow to the head that warranted a disqualification. It marked Wembanyama’s first career ejection, and Johnson believes it stems from the relentless physical defense opponents have been using against the 7-foot-4 Frenchman.
Johnson did not shy away from addressing the intense physicality Wembanyama faces. “I just think that the amount of physicality people play with, with him, at some level, you have to protect himself. Every single play, every single part of the floor, people were trying to impose their physicality on him. I get it, we get it, it’s part of the game,” Johnson said after the game. “At some stage, he has to be protected. If not, he has to protect himself. Unfortunately, stuff like that happens… I think it’s getting hit on every play, so at times, you have to create a lead.”
The Spurs were without Wembanyama for the remainder of Game 4, and Minnesota took advantage to secure a win, tying the series 2-2. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards admitted that the absence of Wembanyama forced adjustments, but his team managed to pull through.
Now, the Spurs await a decision from the NBA on Wembanyama’s availability for Game 5, which is scheduled for Tuesday. The league will determine whether the rookie will face any further disciplinary action.