As the San Antonio Spurs watched star big man Victor Wembanyama receive the 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year award, it felt like the night could only be met with more smiles.
Frost Bank Center was alive and ready to cheer their Spurs to a Game 2 victory before seeing them off to Portland.
Instead, the night — and potentially the series — changed when Wembanyama went crashing to the floor with just under nine minutes to go in the second quarter.
Wembanyama, attempting to make a move against Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday, lost his footing when he tried gathering himself for a lay up. Replay showed Wembanyama’s face aggressively slamming the ground.
The 22-year-old Spurs star stayed flat on the floor with his eyes closed for a few seconds before it appeared he was struck awake, though it is unclear if Wembanyama briefly lost consciousness.
After a few moments, Wembanyama sat up and exchanged some words with the Spurs’ medical staff before getting on his feet to dash to the locker room.
After the game, Wembanyama was diagnosed with a concussion. His status for Game 3 is uncertain, but based on early indications, it seems likely the injury will cost the Spurs star at least Game 3.
Tough Breaks for San Antonio Adding Up Amid Victor Wembanyama Injury
The Spurs finished the regular season riding high in the win column, but they weren’t free of concerns.
San Antonio actively monitored Wembanyama’s rib injury — which he suffered in the final week of the regular season — entering the playoffs.
The team was also keeping an eye on outstanding rookie guard Dylan Harper, who suffered a thumb injury in the regular season finale.
Harper, 20, logged 10 points and two assists in 23 minutes on the court last night.
Harper’s fellow wingman Harrison Barnes logged just four points and 15 minutes.
Following the Spurs’ Game 2 loss, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed San Antonio is dealing with injuries to Harper and Barnes in addition to the concern over Wembanyama’s concussion.
“Harrison Barnes injured his wrist in this game and Dylan Harper finished the game on the bench [after] aggravating a thumb injury,” Windhorst said on “SportsCenter.”
“The Spurs come out of this not only even in this series without home court, they come out of this with several injuries. … [Game 3] really is gonna be a gut-check moment for the Spurs.
GettyVictor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs holds his head after falling to the court.
Can the Spurs Survive Without Their Best Player?
It will certainly be a tall task.
Going to Portland up 2-0 after Wembanyama’s injury sounds a lot more manageable than leaving home tied 1-1.
The Spurs will further evaluate Wembanyama today and check to see if there is concern beyond a concussion.
Wembanyama hit the court face-first with a harsh impact to the jaw during last night’s Game 2. The look of that suggested it is worth it for Spurs to see if Wembanyama potentially suffered any structural damage to the face.
The team will surely examine their star closely today. After last night’s game, reports surfaced that Wembanyama would be checked out thoroughly Wednesday.
An update on Wembanyama should be learned sometime before this evening.
Meanwhile, the Spurs have a flight to Portland to catch. Game 3 is set for Friday night.
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