San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson delivered a strong criticism of officiating following his side’s 114-109 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of their second-round NBA playoff series.
The result levels the best-of-seven series at 2-2 ahead of Game 5 in San Antonio, with the Spurs left frustrated after star center Victor Wembanyama was ejected for the first time in his NBA career.
Wembanyama was thrown out after an incident involving Timberwolves forward Naz Reid, limiting the Frenchman to just four points and four rebounds in 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards appeared unfazed by concerns over his knee injury, producing a game-high 36 points in 40 minutes.
Speaking after the game, Johnson questioned the officiating and called for greater protection for Wembanyama from referees.
“Just the amount of physicality that people play with him, at some level, you have to protect yourself. He’s gotten pushed down in transition, running freely. We don’t complain because we’re just going to play.”
“At some stage, he should be protected. If not, he’s going to have to protect himself, and unfortunately, stuff like that happens” Johnson said.
Game 5 is on Wednesday, May 13.
