Victor Wembanyama hits his head hard on the floor, after the drive and spin move on Jrue Holiday.
He looks dazed and confused, the Spurs take a timeout and he heads to the locker room. With replays.
Getty
The NBA is sharing Victor Wembanyama news ahead of the San Antonio Spurs' series against the Portland Trial Blazers.
The San Antonio Spurs lost Game 2 to the Portland Trail Blazers 106-103 on Tuesday night, surrendering a 14-point fourth-quarter lead in a collapse that leveled the series at 1-1. The result was secondary to what happened in the second quarter, when Victor Wembanyama went down hard after losing his footing on a drive to the basket.
He fell forward and hit his face on the court. He lay there for several seconds, clearly in pain, and when he tried to get up he was visibly dazed. The Spurs called a timeout. Wembanyama eventually made his way to the locker room under his own power, but he did not return. The team later confirmed he had been placed in concussion protocol.
After the game, Dylan Harper shared what Wembanyama said to him in the moments immediately after the fall.
Victor Wembanyama hits his head hard on the floor, after the drive and spin move on Jrue Holiday.
He looks dazed and confused, the Spurs take a timeout and he heads to the locker room. With replays.
GettyDylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs.
Harper did not hide his concern when he addressed reporters postgame.
“I mean, he spun, hit his head and it was over,” Harper said. “I tried to talk to him. He was like, ‘I’m good, my head just hurts a little bit.’ We’re obviously gonna pray for him.”
He was careful not to overstate what he knew about Wembanyama’s condition, while making clear his belief in his teammate’s toughness.
“He’s one of the toughest guys I know, so he’s gonna shake back real quick,” Harper said. “I don’t know how he’s feeling right now. Hopefully he’s feeling better than everyone thinks.”
Spurs guard Dylan Harper, on his reaction when Victor Wembanyama went down: “I tried to talk to him. He was like, ‘I’m doing good, my head just hurts a little bit.’ We’re obviously going to pray for him. He’s one of the toughest guys I know. He’s going to shake back real quick.”
Wembanyama has been diagnosed with a concussion and placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol. He will not be able to participate in basketball activities for at least 48 hours, with any return dependent on how his symptoms develop. Further testing was scheduled for Wednesday.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson addressed the situation postgame without offering a specific timeline.
“I just know he has a concussion and he’s in the protocol,” Johnson said. “We’ll obviously take the proper and appropriate steps.”
The next game is Friday in Portland for Game 3. Whether Wembanyama is available is unclear. The protocol is non-negotiable, and the Spurs will not be able to rush his return regardless of the stakes.
His absence from Game 2 was immediately felt. Wembanyama had played just 12 minutes before leaving, recording five points on 1-of-3 shooting. Without him, Portland found the space to stage their comeback. Scoot Henderson finished with a season-high 31 points and carried the Trail Blazers back from 14 down in the fourth quarter to steal the win.
San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson on the injury to star center Victor Wembanyama: “I just know he has a concussion, and he’s in the protocol, and we’ll obviously take the proper and appropriate steps.” Johnson was uncertain on the injury to Harrison Barnes.
GettyVictor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
Wembanyama finished the regular season averaging 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks, becoming the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year in NBA history. He was dominant in Game 1, putting up 35 points in the Spurs’ 111-98 victory and breaking Tim Duncan’s franchise record for points in a playoff debut.
Losing him for any extended period would be a significant blow to a Spurs team making their first postseason appearance since 2019.
Devin Vassell acknowledged what the team faces if Wembanyama cannot go Friday.
“We all got to step up,” Vassell said. “We know what Vic brings to the table. It’s gonna be the next man up. That’s a huge void to fill.”
Wembanyama told Harper he was good. Harper is praying for him anyway.
The protocol will determine the timeline. The Spurs will not know more until Wednesday’s testing gives them a clearer picture. Game 3 in Portland is Friday.
San Antonio is hoping their franchise player shakes back as quickly as Harper believes he will.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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