San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama awkwardly tumbled to the floor with just under nine minutes remaining in the first quarter of Tuesday night’s game, causing a sweeping silence to break out in Frost Bank Center
Wembanyama received a pass on the perimeter as Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday engaged on defense. Wembanyama drove to the left, spun back to his right and lost his footing in the process, resulting in him falling face-first on the floor.
The moment immediately gave off a jarring vibe as Spurs players hustled over to check on their star leader.
Replay showed Wembanyama’s face harshly impacting the ground and him immediately shutting his eyes thereafter.
The 22-year-old Spurs star stayed dormant on the ground and as he tried to get back up, he appeared visibly dazed and struggled to retain balance.
GettyVictor Wembanyama holds his head after falling to the court.
After lying flat on the ground for about 30 seconds, Wembanyama got up and exited directly to the Spurs locker room to receive further evaluation.
It was announced later that Wembanyama had entered concussion protocol. He did not return to the game, which the Spurs lost, 103-106, tying the series at one game apiece.
What is the NBA’s Policy on Victor Wembanyama’s Injury?
As soon as replay showed Wembanyama’s face smacking the ground, it felt inevitable he would miss the rest of the game. An impact to the face of that severity commonly triggers a concussion.
After the Spurs’ three-point home loss, the team confirmed Wembanyama suffered a concussion and would undergo further evaluation Wednesday. The Spurs play again Friday night in Portland.
Now that Wembanyama has officially been diagnosed with a concussion, he’ll have to comply with the NBA’s strict concussion policy and clear several steps before he can think about playing again.
Under the league’s concussion protocol policy, a player cannot return to full participation without full restrictions:
- For at least 48 hours after time of injury. (Wembanyama suffered a concussion in the first half of Tuesday night’s game in San Antonio.)
- Until he completes the required return-to-participation process.
The NBA’s return-to-participation process is as follows:
- He is without concussion-related symptoms at rest
- He has been evaluated by a physician with training and experience in the management of concussion
- He has successfully completed the NBA return-to-participation exertion process
- A team physician has discussed the return-to-participation process and decision with the Director of the NBA Concussion Program.
“Note that, to promote the consistency of player care, the final return-to-participation decision is to be made by the player’s team physician.”
Is There Potential Concern Beyond a Concussion?
It is important to note Wembanyama received a harsh impact to the face and jaw area. While that could’ve triggered nothing more than only a concussion, there is a chance the Spurs star could’ve suffered structural damage to the facial skeleton.
The Spurs will surely evaluate Wembanyama more closely to discover the total extent of the star’s injury and if there is concern beyond a concussion.
It appears Wembanyama will at least miss Thursday’s Game 3 and Sunday’s Game 4, which will both be in Portland.
NBA’s Strict Concussion Policy: When is Victor Wembanyama Eligible to Return?