The San Antonio Spurs’ best player will be absent from the Playoffs for at least a short while. Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ star center who’s already won Defensive Player of the Year this season and could be on his way to MVP Honors, has entered the NBA’s concussion protocol after a nasty fall suffered in Tuesday’s First Round Game 2 matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.With less than nine minutes remaining in the second quarter of Tuesday night’s game, Wemby got tangled up with Portland’s Jrue Holiday on a drive to the basket. Instead of going straight to the ground, he tried to pass the ball as he lost his balance. His ball handling prevented him from using his arms to break his own fall, so Wemby went face first into the hardwood. Wemby left the game midway through the second quarter and did not return, setting the stage for at least a few days.
Victor Wembanyama’s concussion leaves San Antonio Spurs facing uphill battle vs Portland Trail Blazers
After the Spurs defeated the Trail Blazers 111–98 in Game 1, Wembanyama earned Defensive Player of the Year in a historic manner. San Antonio has now revealed their starting lineup and final injury report for their Tuesday night game against Portland in advance of Game 2.Victor Wembanyama won’t be starting this evening. After suffering a hard fall during Game 2 of the NBA playoffs, he was diagnosed with a concussion and is undergoing concussion protocol. He must wait at least 48 hours to resume full activity in accordance with NBA regulations. The night for the Spurs without Victor Wembanyama got worse. After Wembanyama departed Game 2 of the Spurs’ first-round series against the Trail Blazers due to a concussion, Portland was able to win a stunning 106–103 victory away from home. The Spurs are in a risky situation if their best player misses time as the series now travels to the Pacific Northwest tied at one. Along with the Celtics, who unexpectedly lost to the 76ers to tie that series, they are now among the night’s losers. According to reports, he had a concussion. Per a release from the league back in 2023:“If a player is diagnosed with a concussion, he cannot return to participation: (i) for at least 48 hours, including the date of diagnosis; and (ii) until after he completes the required return-to-participation process…”It starts with increasing levels of work, “from a stationary bike, to jogging, to agility work, to non-contact team drills.” This procedure cannot commence until 24 hours “after the time of injury” Additionally, in order to return, the player must be symptom-free, have undergone a medical evaluation, and “A team physician has discussed the return-to-participation process and decision with the Director of the NBA Concussion Program.“At a pivotal point in the series, Victor Wembanyama suffers a concussion, depriving the San Antonio Spurs of their most influential player just as things begin to change. He might miss more than one game due to league regulations requiring a cautious and gradual comeback, which would put more pressure on the rest of the team to step up. After giving up Game 2, the Spurs now have a more difficult task ahead of them against the Portland Trail Blazers. Their ability to remain competitive may rely on how effectively they adjust without their centerpiece and defensive anchor.
