San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was placed in the NBA's concussion protocol after falling face-first on the court during the second quarter of the playoff game against the Portland Trail Blazers, who took the 106-103 victory on Tuesday night.
First modification: 04/22/2026 - 05:24 Last modification: 04/22/2026 - 05:24
San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson reported that the Frenchman had a “concussion and is following protocol.” Additionally, Johnson added that as a group “we will take appropriate measures.”
Any prolonged absence for Wembanyama would be a blow to San Antonio, which finished with the second-best record in the league thanks to the versatile 7-foot-1 center.
According to league rules, a player subject to the concussion protocol must remain inactive for no less than 48 hours until he recovers. Additionally, the player must meet several criteria without presenting symptoms before being medically cleared to play.
On the other hand, anyone under the aforementioned protocol must undergo neurological testing and receive final clearance from the team doctor, in consultation with the league's concussion protocol director.
Wembanyama was fouled by Jrue Holiday after spinning around the Trail Blazers guard in the paint but couldn't break the fall and his jaw hit the ground with 8:57 left in the second quarter.
The Frenchman remained on the court for about 30 seconds before getting up. He sat down for about a minute to talk to his partner Stephon Castle. Johnson called a timeout to check on Wembanyama, who immediately ran down the tunnel after getting up.
In the short time of his performance, 12 minutes, the center scored five points, captured four rebounds, made a block and gave an assist. Veteran Luke Kornet replaced Wembanyama and started the second half at center.
San Antonio is in the playoffs for the first time since 2019 and beat Portland in the first game of the Western Conference first-round series thanks to 'Wemby's 35 points.
Wembanyama was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year on Monday, after receiving the award unanimously. He averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and a league-best 3.1 blocks this season.
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