Victor Wembanyama avoids suspension for elbow on Naz Reid, will play in pivotal Game 5

Wembanyama was originally issued an offensive foul after hitting Reid in the face with his elbow while being double-teamed in the corner after securing a rebound. But video review saw the elbow hit Reid square in his jaw and neck, which sent him to the hardwood.

Officials announced that Wembanyama's foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2 for excessive contact above the neck. As a result, it's an automatic ejection.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson used his postgame press conference to defend the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama, specifically the level of physicality Wembanyama gets from opponents during games.

"It's starting to get disgusting in terms of when he tries to fight through things, be professional and mature and deal with some of that stuff. I'm glad he took matters into his own hands. Not in terms of hitting Naz Reid, but he's going to have to protect himself if they're not. And I think it's disgusting."

Johnson added that there was "zero intent" on Wembanyama's elbow to Reid's face, believing that a Game 5 suspension "would be ridiculous." But it was always the league's decision in the end.

Ultimately, they decided Johnson's stance was correct, and Wembanyama will be on the court with his teammates in a pivotal Game 5 as the series returns to San Antonio on Tuesday night.