The NBA playoffs have descended into chaos with San Antonio superstar Victor Wembanyama ejected over a wild elbow to the face and throat of Minnesota’s Naz Reid.
Holding a 2-1 series lead, the Spurs will play out the remainder of Game 4 without their game-changing centre.
The French former No.1 draft pick was wrestling for an offensive rebound after a missed three-point shot by teammate Carter Bryant, but became entangled with Timberwolves duo Reid and Jaden McDaniels.
Victor Wembanyama ejected from NBA playoffs
Attempts by the Minnesota pair to steal the ball prompted a wild swing from Wembanyama, who cocked his elbow back and struck Reid.
The foul was upgraded to a flagrant two by the officiating crew, and Wembanyama – after having the ruling explained to him by Spurs teammate Harrison Barnes – was ejected from the game.
Wembanyama had four points and four rebounds in 12 minutes of the game, which the Wolves led 34-30 at the point of his ejection.