Victor Wembanyama's first career ejection turned into a major talking point over the weekend, but the NBA has decided to let the rookie sensation off the hook. The league confirmed Monday that the San Antonio Spurs star will not face any additional fine or suspension for elbowing Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid in the throat during Game 4 of their playoff series. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the ejection itself was deemed punishment enough, meaning Wembanyama will be on the court for Tuesday night's critical Game 5 in San Antonio.

The incident occurred early in the second quarter at Target Center on Sunday night. As Wembanyama battled for a rebound, he suddenly swung a hard elbow that caught Reid squarely on the chin, sending the Timberwolves big man to the floor. Officials immediately reviewed the play and issued a Flagrant 2 foul, resulting in an automatic ejection. The moment was particularly memorable for Wembanyama's reaction—he appeared confused by the ruling and had to ask veteran teammate Harrison Barnes, "What does that mean? I'm ejected?!"

Before his early exit, Wembanyama had posted just four points and four rebounds in limited action. Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson defended his rookie after the game, insisting there was "zero intent" behind the elbow. However, Johnson also took the opportunity to call out the officials, suggesting they need to do a better job protecting Wembanyama on the court. "It's getting to a point that if the people that are in charge of controlling the game and protecting the physicality of the game don't do that, then at some point he's going to have to protect himself," Johnson said.

Without their star rookie, the Spurs struggled to close out the game. Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards took over down the stretch, dropping 16 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter alone to lead Minnesota to a five-point victory. The win evened the series at 2-2, setting up a pivotal Game 5 in San Antonio. For the Spurs, a trip to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2017 hangs in the balance. For Wembanyama, the focus now shifts back to basketball—and keeping his elbows in check.