Minnesota Timberwolves big man Naz Reid shrugged off a direct hit from San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals on Sunday. 

Reid absorbed an elbow to the neck during Minnesota’s 114-109 win over the Spurs, tying the series 2-2. 

MORE: Victor Wembanyama’s immediate reaction after getting ejected

The incident occurred at the 8:39 mark in the second quarter as Reid and Wembanyama jockeyed for rebound position. The 26-year-old fell from the impact. 

Wembanyama was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game.

Reid joined teammates Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu for a postgame interview. Asked about the violent hit, Reid remained defiant.

“Pain is weakness leaving the body, that’s it,” Reid told reporters postgame.

Naz Reid is not backing down from Victor Wembanyama

That short message has been Reid’s favorite mantra throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The 2024 NBA Sixth Man of the Year has also uttered the phrase when asked about playing through a right ankle injury. Edwards and Dosunmu both laughed after Reid delivered his line once again postgame.

Reid was a game-changer for the Timberwolves in a pivotal Game 4 victory. He notched 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists in 31 minutes off the bench. He has been a steady presence for head coach Chris Finch, averaging 14.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists across four games.

Edwards continued his postseason rampage to even the series, tallying 36 points in the victory.

With the series tied at 2-2, Wembanyama’s status for Game 5 will be pivotal. The league is reviewing the incident for a possible suspension. Regardless of the outcome, Reid and the Timberwolves will be ready.