The Minnesota Timberwolves are locked in a fierce battle with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Western Conference Semifinals, and after a hard-fought 114-109 victory in Game 4 on Sunday, the series is now tied at 2-2. But the win wasn't without its fireworks—literally.
With just over eight minutes left in the second quarter, Timberwolves big man Naz Reid and Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama were jostling for rebound position under the basket. In the heat of the moment, Wembanyama caught Reid directly in the neck with an elbow, sending the 26-year-old crashing to the floor. The officials quickly reviewed the play and assessed Wembanyama a Flagrant 2 foul, resulting in an automatic ejection.
After the game, Reid joined teammates Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu for a postgame interview. When asked about the violent hit, Reid didn't flinch. Instead, he delivered a defiant message that has become his postseason mantra: "Pain is weakness leaving the body, that's it."
The quote drew laughs from Edwards and Dosunmu, but it's no joke for Reid. The 2024 NBA Sixth Man of the Year has been playing through a right ankle injury throughout the playoffs, and that same phrase has been his go-to response when asked about his toughness. It's a mindset that embodies the Timberwolves' grit—a team that refuses to back down from any challenge.
Reid backed up his words with a stellar performance in Game 4. Coming off the bench, he posted 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in 31 minutes, providing a steady presence for head coach Chris Finch. Across the four games so far, Reid is averaging 14.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists—a stat line that proves he's more than just a tough guy.
Of course, Reid wasn't the only star on the court. Anthony Edwards continued his postseason rampage, dropping 36 points to lead the Timberwolves to the crucial win. With the series now deadlocked, all eyes are on Game 5—and on Wembanyama's status. The league is reviewing the incident for a possible suspension, which could be a game-changer for the Spurs.
Regardless of what happens, one thing is clear: Naz Reid and the Timberwolves are ready for whatever comes next. Pain? That's just weakness leaving the body.