The San Antonio Spurs lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 after Victor Wembanyama was ejected and Anthony Edwards took over.
The San Antonio Spurs lost Game 4 of their second-round series to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, 114-109.
In what was expected to be a star-studded matchup, Anthony Edwards did not disappoint, finishing with 36 points. Victor Wembanyama, on the other hand, was ejected from the game in the second quarter, finishing with only four points and four rebounds.
Without their best player, the Spurs leaned on their guards. De'Aaron Fox scored 24 points, with Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper adding 20 and 24, respectively.
READ MORE: WATCH: Victor Wembanyama Ejected From Game 4
Spurs Drop Game 4 Without Wemby
With eight minutes left in the second quarter, Victor Wembanyama elbowed Naz Reid in the face. Wemby's back was turned to Reid, although there was enough evidence of a wind-up and follow-through to warrant a flagrant two foul.
As the officials reviewed the play and issued the ruling, Wembanyama sat on the bench, asking Harrison Barnes what had just happened. Barnes was the one to inform Wembanyama that he had been ejected, and he walked back to the locker room, hearing jeers from Minnesota fans.
The Wolves, as soon as Wembanyama exited the game, immediately went on a run, although the Spurs came out of the gate after halftime with renewed energy, re-taking the lead on the back of stellar guard play.
However, Edwards took over midway through the fourth quarter. With Wembanyama off the floor, Edwards was easily the best player in the game. However, the Spurs' depth kept them in the game late.
Luke Kornet posted seven points and nine rebounds without Wembanyama, and the Spurs experimented with small-ball lineups featuring Keldon Johnson and Carter Byrant playing center. Bryant, however, picked up quick fouls, limiting the Spurs' flexibility.
Thanks to Edwards putting the Wolves on his shoulders late, the Wolves snuck away with a win, evening up the series.
After the loss, the series will shift to San Antonio for Game 5. With the series evened up, the Spurs are still expected to be the favorites, although they will need Wembanyama to come back to the lineup with vengeance if they want to seal the deal on their home court.
The winner of this series will all but certainly take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, who hold a 3-0 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers. If the Wolves advance, it will be a rematch of last year's conference finale.