The San Antonio Spurs missed Victor Wembanyama in the fourth quarter of Tuesdayâs Game 2 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.Â
Although the Spurs won 12 of 18 regular season games this season without Wembanyama in the lineup, they were unable to secure another victory despite mounting a double-digit fourth quarter lead.Â
The Trail Blazers more than doubled the Spursâ fourth quarter points en route to pulling off the upset. As the series shifts to Portland, it sure feels like the momentum has transitioned into the hands of the lower seed.Â
A pivotal Game 3 is on tap as worry grows for San Antonio and confidence builds for Portland.
What Happened to Victor Wembanyama?
All had been going well for Wembanyama and the Spurs.Â
Last week, the Spurs won their 62nd regular season game â joining only the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons to win 60 games this season â after claiming just 34 victories a year ago. It has been a stunning turnaround. Expectations have erupted like wild fire.
Then earlier this week, the Spurs cheered as they watched Wembanyana receive the Defensive Player of the Year award. The 7-foot-4 big man is the first player ever to win the honor unanimously.Â
Then the party was over.
GettyVictor Wembanyama sits on the floor after a fall during a playoff game that led to his concussion and entry into NBA protocol.
Wembanyama was diagnosed with a concussion after suffering a frightening fall in the second quarter of Game 2.Â
Attempting a spinning drive to the basket, the Spurs star received a direct impact to his face and jaw and appeared to get knocked unconscious briefly.Â
After spending a few moments flat on the floor, Wembanyama got up and immediately jogged back to the locker room.Â
It was a tough blow for the Spurs, who flashed some inexperience down the stretch of the game without having Wembanyama as the ultimate fail safe.
Without Wembanyama on the floor, San Antonioâs defense becomes much more vulnerable, particularly at the rim, and its offense isnât as free-flowing. After all, few players are more impactful than Wembanyama, a league MVP candidate.
What is the Latest Update on the Star Big Man?
After much speculation over whether Wembanyama would fly with the team to Portland for Game 3, it was reported earlier today that Wembanyama will make the trip, though his status is still uncertain.
When asked today about the chances Wembanyama plays in Game 3, head coach Mitch Johnson stated Wembanyamaâs status for Friday isnât even something that the team has discussed yet.Â
The 22-year-old San Antonio star has to clear the mandatory concussion protocol before he can play again.Â
On ESPNâs âNBA Todayâ earlier today, NBA insider Shams Charania delivered the latest update on Wembanyama.
âToday, he was present at practice,â Charania said. And he was seen rebounding, doing some light activities, shooting some short-range shots. Iâm told, late Wednesday, Victor Wembanyama also participated in cardio workouts because his symptoms did not worsen. Throughout all of this, he has to clear multiple neurological exams per day, which he has up to this point.Â
But whether he is able to clear protocol in time for Fridayâs Game 3, thatâs obviously up in the air, very much in jeopardy, overall, just from a timing perspective. ⦠The team doctor as well as the league [and] third-party concussion protocol director are all involved in terms of whether he will be cleared and when that point will come.â
According to this report, it feels imminent Wembanyama will be ruled out for tomorrowâs Game 3, which could be a series-turning contest.Â
Wembanyamaâs injury is certainly ill-timed and puts the Spurs at risk of going down 2-1 in the first round.Â
It remains to be seen if a Game 3 loss will push the Spurs to bring back Wembanyama faster if they are able to.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Spurs Receive Harsh Victor Wembanyama Injury Update Before Game 3 vs Blazers appeared first on Heavy Sports.