The league office decided against issuing a fine or suspending Victor Wembanyama for his brutal elbow to the throat of Minnesota Timberwolves’ Naz Reid during Game 4.
With the Frenchman now cleared to play Game 5, social media was not appreciative of Adam Silver and the NBA handing Wembanyama a free pass.
After the ruling dropped, it did not take long for accusations of favoritism to flood in, as some claimed the league wanted to push their “nasty agenda” to protect the Spurs’ star.
NBA, Adam Silver Under Fire As Victor Wembanyama Escapes Punishment for Game 4 Antics
The play in question occurred during a scramble for a rebound during the second quarter of Game 4. With 8:39 remaining, Wembanyama swung his elbow and connected with Reid’s throat, causing the latter to immediately collapse to the hardwood.
After review, the officiating crew deemed it a Flagrant 2, immediately ejecting Wembanyama from the game.
The league office reviewed the tape the next morning and concluded the ejection was sufficient punishment, sparking widespread criticism from fans and analysts.
Reacting to the decision, Ryan Rueda wrote, “Adam Silver didn’t do the right thing today. There’s no place in this league for the dirty stuff Wemby did last night, yet somehow there was no fine and no suspension.”
Adam Silver didn’t do the right thing today.
There’s no place in this league for the dirty stuff Wemby did last night, yet somehow there was no fine and no suspension.
— Ryan Rueda (@PlayoffDude) May 11, 2026
“This is how they operate in the WWE NBA… Wemby should have been suspended, but the NBA wouldn’t do that to their Golden Boy,” Rob Parker bluntly said.
Rob Parker: “THIS IS HOW THEY OPERATE IN THE WWE NBA. Wemby should have been SUSPENDED, but the NBA wouldn’t do that TO THEIR GOLDEN BOY” 😮@robparkerMLBbro says it’s not shocking the NBA holds Wemby to a different standard than other players @OddCoupleFSR 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Jw7jRHMB21
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) May 12, 2026
“Did the NBA get it right? In my opinion, no, because you prioritized superstardom and views over someone’s health,” Kendrick Perkins noted.
— 𝐖𝐎𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐑𝐋𝐃 (@WolvesXWrld) May 11, 2026
“Direct result of the league declaring all rules null and void for the playoffs so they can control outcomes. They have ruined the game,” a user wrote.
Direct result of the league declaring all rules null and void for the playoffs so they can control outcomes. They have ruined the game.
— Gregory S Gremmer (@CPAGSG) May 12, 2026
“Wemby should have been suspended. No doubt in my mind. But they didn’t wanna gift the wolves the series…” Sports content creator Brandon Deutsch remarked.
One influencer pointed to a similar incident and wrote: “Adam silver said ratings over everything.”
Adam silver said ratings over everything pic.twitter.com/miHU8MqjCM
— John (@iam_johnw) May 11, 2026
Meanwhile, another user exclaimed, “The NBA Constitution and Rule Book have statements that support that Wemby should have been suspended. This is a clear RULE BEND for the NBA’s newest poster child. Unserious league.”
The NBA Constitution and Rule Book have statements that support that Wemby should have been suspended.
This is a clear RULE BEND for the NBA’s newest poster child. Unserious league. https://t.co/OzeuRy4lwm
— Daig Muse⚡️ (@DaigMuse) May 11, 2026
“So the league basically removed fines and penalties for flopping when it comes to OKC, then didn’t even fine Wemby for purposely elbowing Reid. Nasty agenda. Not a good look for the league at all,” Rueda further posted.
So the league basically removed fines and penalties for flopping when it comes to OKC, then didn’t even fine Wemby for purposely elbowing Reid.
Nasty agenda. Not a good look for the league at all.
— Ryan Rueda (@PlayoffDude) May 11, 2026
Minnesota and Anthony Edwards did not let Wembanyama’s early ejection go to waste. Edwards put the Wolves on his back with a 36-point, 6-rebound performance as Minnesota tied the Western Conference semifinals 2-2 with a 114-109 victory.
Despite the Timberwolves’ momentum, it is no secret that San Antonio has caught a massive break with the league’s ruling ahead of Game 5 on Tuesday night at the Frost Bank Center.
