With no Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs dropped Game 4 to the Timberwolves to knot the series at 2-2. Was this all due to his ejection or does San Antonio need a change ahead of Game 5?
The San Antonio Spurs headed onto the floor of Target Center on Sunday looking for a third-straight win over Minnesota to put a stranglehold on the series. Instead, they lost Victor Wembanyama and later the game 114-109 to find themselves tied up with the Timberwolves at 2-2.
With each team splitting their initial home stands, Game 5 becomes a major tipping point in the series. Thankfully for the Spurs, it will take place back in Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. However, that is the only thing they can guarantee heading into the crucial matchup.
As previously mentioned, Wembanyama missed most of the game for San Antonio. While he missed time against Portland in the prior series with a concussion, it was not an injury that sent him off the court this time.
Wembanyama was issued a flagrant two foul after elbowing Minnesota's Naz Reid in the head in what officials ruled an intentional and excessive display. He left the game with only four points early in the second quarter.
READ MORE: WATCH: Victor Wembanyama Ejected From Game 4
The decision sparked controversy as soon as it happened and it will assuredly continue to dominate the discourse after the Spurs were unable to win without him. If San Antonio cannot win the series, it is a move that could haunt the team and fans for years to come.
There could be more immediate effects, as Wemby faces potential consequences from the NBA, such as suspension. Reports indicate that the Spurs do not believe this doomsday scenario will happen, but the association will make its choice on Monday.
If San Antonio loses its superstar for another game, the path gets rocky for the Spurs, which dropped to 0-3 against Minnesota without Wemby. For argument's sake, let's assume the team is correct that he will return in Game 5.
Obviously getting their leader back will improve the squad, but it will not be a magical fix-all and guarantee the victory. The Spurs were abysmal at rebounding and struggled to contain the Timberwolves late defensively.
San Antonio was out rebounded 49-41, including surrendering 15 offensive board to Minnesota. The T-Wolves turned those extra opportunities into 24 of their points.
Minnesota superstar Anthony Edwards put on a clinic with 36 points and six rebounds, which helped the T-Wolves close out the game in a massive fourth-quarter effort. They outscored the Spurs 34-25 in the final frame after a relatively strong defensive performance to that point.
Wembanyama helps in these categories but San Antonio must be better all around moving forward. Despite the loss and issues that led to it, the Spurs had the lead heading to the fourth quarter and had chances to win down the stretch.
With Wembanyama back, San Antonio will remain the favorite to take home the series. However, the Spurs cannot become complacent and blame all their misfortunes on losing their frontman. They have already showed the ability to respond with a thrashing in Game 2 and a similar performance may be necessary to finally oust the insistent Timberwolves.
Game 5 in the back-and-forth series between San Antonio and Minnesota tips off from Frost Bank Center on Tuesday at 7 p.m.