Victor Wembanyama Exits Playoff Game With Possible Concussion After Face-First Fall
Spurs star fouled by Jrue Holiday, jaw hit court in second quarter; team says he is in concussion protocol and will not return
Quick Look
- San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama suffered a possible concussion during Tuesday night's playoff game against Portland after falling face-first when fouled by Jrue Holiday.
- The 7-foot-4 center from France could not brace himself and his jaw hit the court with 8:57 remaining in the second quarter.
- He remained on the court for about 30 seconds before rising to a seated position and speaking to teammate Stephon Castle.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The San Antonio Spurs made the playoffs for the first time since 2019, finishing with the league's second-best record behind Wembanyama. They beat Portland in Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round series.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama tumbled face-first to the court in the second quarter of Tuesday night's playoff game against Portland and left the game to be examined for a possible concussion. The Spurs said Wembanyama was in the concussion protocol and would not return. Any extended absence for Wembanyama would be a massive blow to San Antonio, which finished with the league's second-best record behind the versatile 7ft 4in center from France. 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 on the fall, and his jaw hit the court with 8:57 remaining in the second quarter. Wembanyama remained on the court for about 30 seconds before rising to a seated position for about a minute and speaking to teammate Stephon Castle. San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson called timeout to check on Wembanyama, who immediately ran through the tunnel after getting to his feet. San Antonio are in the playoffs for the first time since 2019 and beat Portland in Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round series.
Open Questions
- How long will Wembanyama be out?
- Will he be cleared to play in future games this series?
- How will the Spurs adjust their rotation without their star center?
