Victor Wembanyama's vicious elbow to Naz Reid's throat during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals was a moment that had fans and analysts buzzing. The San Antonio Spurs superstar was ejected, and his team ultimately lost control of the series. But when the NBA announced no suspension or fine would be issued, the reaction was surprisingly unified: of course that was the right call.

Let's break down what happened. Early in the second quarter, Wembanyama secured a rebound and was immediately fouled by Timberwolves wing Jaden McDaniels. No whistle. McDaniels wrapped both hands around Wembanyama's left arm, leaving the 7'4" phenom in a vulnerable position. Still no call. Then Naz Reid came in, clutching at Wembanyama's right side and creeping under his arm. With nowhere else to turn, Wembanyama's elbow connected with Reid's throat.

Was there extra force behind that elbow? Sure. Was it a product of frustration from being manhandled all game? Absolutely. But here's the thing: Wembanyama has no prior history of dirty play. This was a momentary lapse in judgment, not a pattern of behavior. And the ejection itself—which cost his team a crucial Game 4 and handed the Timberwolves control of the series—was punishment enough.

As Spurs coach Mitch Johnson put it after the hard-fought loss, "The amount of physicality that people play with him, at some level you have to protect yourself. Every single play on every single part of the floor, people are trying to impose their physicality on him. We don't complain because we're just gonna play. But at some stage, he should be protected, and if not, he'll have to protect himself and unfortunately stuff like that happens."

What Johnson can't quite say, but we can: the officials lost control of the game. When a player of Wembanyama's stature is consistently fouled without calls, something has to give. In this case, it was an elbow that looked worse than it was intended. The NBA made the right call—not just for the sake of the series, but for the fans who deserve to see the best players compete at their highest level.