Naz Reid Reacts to Wemby's Ejection, Flagrant 2 Foul in Wolves' Win vs. Spurs in NBA Playoffs Game 4
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid took quite a hit from Victor Wembanyama's elbow during Sunday's game and then had quite the reaction to the entire ordeal in the aftermath.
"Pain is weakness leaving the body, that's it," he told reporters of the elbow to his face that resulted in Wembanyama's ejection during the first half of Minnesota's 114-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
It seemed like the ejection would be a turning point, as Wembanyama is the Spurs' star player and the one who drives the plan of attack on both ends of the floor.
However, San Antonio battled throughout the game even without the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year. Devin Vassell's three-pointer with fewer than seven minutes remaining extended the visitors' lead to six and had them on the verge of taking a commanding 3-1 lead.
Yet the Timberwolves responded with a 7-0 run to take the lead before finally putting the Spurs away to even the series at two games apiece.
Anthony Edwards was brilliant with 36 points and six rebounds on 13-of-22 shooting from the field and 3-of-5 shooting from deep, while Rudy Gobert notched a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds without having to worry about dealing with Wembanyama during the second half.
Reid provided a key spark off the bench with 15 points and nine rebounds on 6-of-12 shooting from the field. Wembanyama's elbow wasn't the only physical pain he dealt with, as he also temporarily exited after turning his ankle before returning for the stretch run.
His "pain is weakness leaving the body" mentality certainly served him well, as he played at a high level in the critical win.
San Antonio's supporting cast did what it could with Dylan Harper (24 points), De'Aaron Fox (24 points) and Stephon Castle (20 points) leading the way on the offensive end, but Wembanyama's absence was eventually too much to overcome.
Attention now turns to Tuesday's Game 5.
San Antonio figures to have the advantage since it will be back at home and Wembanyama will be on the floor, assuming he isn't suspended. But the Timberwolves have the momentum on their side following Sunday's victory.
