dailyloe.com – The Spurs face the Timberwolves in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Victor Wembanyama’s performance is crucial, especially after his early ejection in Game 4.
Wembanyama was disqualified for a Flagrant 2 foul after hitting Naz Reid’s neck. His absence left San Antonio at a disadvantage, resulting in a 114-109 loss that tied the series at 2-2.
Wembanyama played just 12:29 in Game 4, missing nearly 33 minutes of game time. In his short appearance, the Spurs led 36-34 before being outscored 80-73.
Wembanyama’s brief postseason performance is historically significant. He joins a list of legends with notably short playoff games.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played only 10 minutes in his final postseason game at age 42. Bill Russell logged 20 minutes due to injury in the 1958 NBA Finals.
LeBron James played 24 minutes in Game 5 of the 2014 East Finals, while Michael Jordan had just 29 minutes in a playoff opener against Atlanta in 1993.
Wilt Chamberlain’s shortest playoff game was 34 minutes in 1971. Shaquille O’Neal’s final playoff appearances in 2011 were 8:29 and 3:31.
Wembanyama’s potential impact in Game 5 could shift the series momentum significantly for the Spurs.
