San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was back in action for Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers after clearing concussion protocol.
Wembanyama had suffered a concussion on Tuesday, April 21, after hitting his face on the court. The injury occurred in the second quarter, and he was ruled out for the second half.
Wembanyama’s Injury and Game 3 Absence
Wembanyama stumbled on a drive, leading to his face slamming into the court. He lay on the floor for a few moments and appeared to lose his balance as he tried to get up.
Trainers rushed over to examine him, and Wembanyama eventually rose to his feet and jogged to the locker room. The Spurs lost that game, 106-103, but bounced back in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead.
He missed Game 3 of San Antonio’s first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Wembanyama’s Return in Game 4
Victor Wembanyama started Game 4, as expected once he cleared concussion protocol. He missed his first two field goal attempts but then recorded his first bucket with 9:14 to play in the first, on a scoop layup.
Wembanyama airballed a 3-point attempt and is working his way back, as Portland is being physical early when guarding Wembanyama.
San Antonio listed Wembanyama as questionable in its first Game 4 injury report issued Thursday night, and that designation had continued into Sunday morning. However, in the updated injury report issued at 2:45 p.m. ET, the Spurs listed him as available.
Precautions and Concussion Protocol
There had been positive signs that pointed to Wembanyama’s return. He put up some shots during the morning shootaround ahead of Friday’s game.
Wembanyama was also present on San Antonio’s bench during the game, both of which suggested that he had cleared the initial steps of the concussion protocol.
The Spurs may still exercise further caution with their franchise player and could restrict his minutes. Concussions are serious injuries and repetitive concussions can pose long-term risks, including the potential increase of neurodegenerative diseases like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.
- Recovery time from a concussion varies from person-to-person.
- Most symptoms resolve in a few days.
- In certain cases, however, symptoms can persist for weeks, or even a month.
In 64 games this season, Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks per game.