San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is in the NBA’s concussion protocol after a nasty fall during Tuesday night’s playoff game against Portland.
The Spurs fell 106-103 to the Trail Blazers, levelling the Western Conference first-round series at one game apiece. Wembanyama’s injury came after he tumbled face-first to the court in the second quarter.
Wembanyama’s Fall and Immediate Impact
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson confirmed the concussion after the game. “He has a concussion. He’s in the protocol,” Johnson said. “We’ll take the proper and appropriate steps.”
Wembanyama was fouled by Jrue Holiday after he spun around the Trail Blazers point guard in the paint. He was not able to brace himself.
The Concussion Protocol
Under the league’s concussion guidelines, Wembanyama faces a period of mandatory inactivity and recovery. He must have at least 48 hours of rest before progressing through a series of benchmarks, symptom-free. Neurological testing is required, along with final clearance from the team doctor, in consultation with the league’s concussion protocol director.
Spurs Prepare for Game 3 Without Key Player
Game 3 is scheduled for Friday in Portland. It appears unlikely Wembanyama will be cleared to play by then. Johnson wouldn’t speculate about his status, stating: “The protocol is the protocol. We’ll just follow it as everyone else does and plan accordingly.”
Any extended absence would be a significant setback for San Antonio. They finished with the league’s second-best record, largely thanks to the contributions of the 7-foot-4 center from France.
Spurs guard Devin Vassell acknowledged the challenge ahead. “We’ve all got to step up,” Vassell said. “We know what Vic brings to the table. We’ve played without him for a couple games this year. It’s going to be next man up. Everybody’s going to have to step up. That’s a huge void to fill. We can’t get bogged down by it.”
During the regular season, the Spurs had a 12-6 record without Wembanyama.