The San Antonio Spurs are hoping for the best after star big man Victor Wembanyama was diagnosed with a concussion Tuesday night.
Wembanyama, 22, took a harsh impact to his facial area after a spinning drive to the basket caused him to lose his footing and tumble to the floor.
Being guarded by Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday, Wembanyama was attempting to gather himself to lay the ball in the basket.
Replay showed Wembanyama fell face-first and possibly blacked-out for a few seconds upon impact. He stayed dormant on the court for roughly 30 seconds before he sat up and exchanged words with the Spurs’ medical staff.
Moments later, Wembanyama darted back to the locker room to seek further evaluation. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game shortly thereafter.
Wembanyama went down with just under nine minutes to play in the second quarter.
The Spurs were unable to hold on to a late lead as they went on to lose Game 2. The series will now shift to Portland as Wembanyama’s status for Game 3 appears to be doubtful.
Panic-Meter Considered to be ‘High’ Inside Spurs Organization
San Antonio has gone 12-6 without Wembanyama this season — but this is the playoffs after all.
Already hearing questions about a lack of experience, the Spurs will now have to prove they can stay afloat in the potentially multiple games Wembanyama is out.
In the fourth quarter of last night’s loss, the Spurs were outscored 27-10 as they went on to lose a pivotal Game 2. The team could be without Wembanyama for two potentially series-deciding road games in Portland.
Is there panic brewing in San Antonio? ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins believes the Spurs’ panic meter is “high” after Wembanyama’s ill-timed injury.
“His impact on the Spurs is so impactful that when he is on the floor and he is available, they’re a championship contender. When he’s not on the floor, they’re a first round exit,” Perkins expressed on “Get Up” this morning. “And they could possibly lose this series.
“My panic meter is high, higher than my damn blood pressure when it comes to think about them going to Portland with this series tied 1-1 and possibly not having a generational talent on the floor.”
It’s true that the situation is made more difficult with the Spurs having to travel away from home to play the next two games. With the series knotted at one game apiece, the result of Games 3 and 4 could have a massive impact on which team advances.
The Trail Blazers are already riding high after winning a road playoff game. They have to feel good about their chances to win playing in front of their home crowd. Portland won the sixth-most home games of any Western Conference team this season.
Added Perkins: “Losing that home game last night and giving up home court — and now you’re walking into Portland without possibly your generational talent — your panic meter gotta be high.”
GettyVictor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs holds his head after falling to the court
Any Chance Spurs Star Returns for Game 3?
Wembanyama hasn’t officially been ruled out for Game 3 — his status for Friday’s game won’t be disclosed until Thursday evening — but all signs suggest he’ll be sidelined for at least a game or two.
Under the NBA’s concussion protocol policy, a player must refrain from all activities for at least 48 hours from the time of injury; however, is it permitted to resume participation progressively after 24 hours if injury symptoms don’t accelerate.
Wrote ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania on Instagram: “Per NBA guidelines, Victor Wembanyama cannot return to full participation for 48 hours but can resume gradual activity in 24 hours as long as his symptoms don’t worsen. Then he must hit several benchmarks while being symptom-free before he is cleared to play. He’ll then require clearance from team doctor in consultation with league protocol director.”
Game 3 in Portland is set for 7:30 p.m. Pacific in Portland.
Spurs’ Panic Level Described as ‘High’ After Victor Wembanyama Concussion