The San Antonio Spurs welcomed the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Frost Bank Center on Monday night for Game 1 of their second-round playoff series.
The Spurs nearly had a healthy roster entering the game, with Carter Bryant initially being ruled questionable because of a sprained right foot.
However, the Spurs downgraded him to out a couple of hours before tip-off. Carter has carved out a bigger role for the team in the second half of his rookie season.
San Antonio Spurs Share Carter Bryant Injury Update
GettyCarter Bryant #11 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks against the Portland Trailblazers in the first half of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on April 21, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson spoke to the media before Game 1. Johnson was asked about the team’s decision to rule Carter Bryant out of the game, with Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News sharing the coach’s quote.
“Optimistic that it won’t be long term,” Johnson said.
Bryant has put together a solid rookie campaign for the Spurs. He averaged 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds, turning into a good defensive player off the bench.
With Bryant out, the Spurs still have a deep roster off the bench that includes Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes and Lindy Waters III.
Carter Bryant Helped Spurs Win Game 3 vs. Blazers
GettyDeni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers lays up a shot against Carter Bryant #11 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of Game Three of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Moda Center on April 24, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
In Game 3 of their first-round playoff matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Spurs were without Victor Wembanyama due to a concussion. They were playing on the road and were immediately down big in the first half.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs were down by double digits and appeared to be on their way to losing the game.
However, Carter Bryant and Dylan Harper helped the Spurs complete the comeback and earn the 120-108 win. Bryant hit a huge 3-point shot that started a huge run for the Spurs.
According to Jared Weiss of The Athletic, the Spurs were down 10 points when Bryant entered the game two minutes into the fourth quarter. When coach Mitch Johnson took him out five minutes later, the Spurs were ahead by 11 points.
“Like, as much as I work on my game, for the other team, it’s demoralizing when I hit a shot like that,” Bryant said. “Just understanding what the game of basketball is. Like, they’re living with me shooting that shot. Clock is winding down, (I) look up, there’s three seconds on the shot clock. Shoot it. Let the ball fly. (I) work too hard not to trust it.”
Carter only had three points, adding six rebounds, four assists and three blocks. His impact was felt on the defensive end, while Harper closed things out on offense. Harper finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
If he gets healthy enough to return to the Spurs’ rotation, he’ll likely get a shot at stopping Anthony Edwards. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday.
San Antonio Spurs Share Carter Bryant Injury Update After Late Game 1 Scratch