San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama left the team’s playoff game against the Portland Trail Blazers after suffering a nasty fall and concussion.
Wembanyama, 22, landed face first on the floor after driving to the basket during the second quarter of Game 2 of the first round playoff series on Tuesday, April 21.
The 7-foot-4 star appeared to knock himself out after the fall, with his eyes fluttering briefly as he laid splayed on the court.
Wembanyama remained down for several minutes as teammates and training staff rushed over to him. He eventually managed to pop up and run to the locker room with athletic trainer Will Sevening.
NBA Star Jaden Ivey’s Wife Pledges Her Support to Husband Amid Controversy
Shortly after, it was reported that Wembanyama had entered concussion protocol and was ruled out for the remainder of Game 2.
NBA insider Shams Charania revealed later in the night that Wembanyama had officially been diagnosed with a concussion and would undergo testing on Wednesday, April 22.
According to NBA guidelines, Wembanyama cannot return to full participation for 48 hours, but he can resume some activity in 24 hours if his symptoms do not worsen.
“Then he must hit several benchmarks while being symptom-free before he is cleared to play,” Charania posted via X on Tuesday night. “He’ll then require clearance from [the] team doctor in consultation with [the] league protocol director.”
The Spurs and Trail Blazers resume their playoff series when Game 3 shifts to Portland on Friday, April 24.
“We’ll obviously take the proper and appropriate steps,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said after the game.
Spurs forward Keldon Johnson said the team was “hoping for the best.”
Former Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s Grandson Arrested After Fatal Car Crash
“Obviously, it’s a big hit that we don’t have the big fellow,” Keldon, 26, told reporters. “But we’re a good team, and we’ll continue to stay together, have each other’s back and do what got us here.”
Spurs star Stephon Castle added, “We’ve played tough games without him. Obviously, we want everybody healthy and to have him on the court. But whatever five guys are on the court [for Game 3], we’re going to play like ourselves.”
Trail Blazers star Jrue Holiday, who was whistled for a foul on the play that injured Wembanyama, addressed the incident after the game.
“I got the foul call,” Holiday, 35, said. “I didn’t think I touched him, but I don’t really know. After they called the foul, I went to complain to the ref. I didn’t really see [Wembanyama’s fall].”
