wemby injury forced Victor Wembanyama to leave Game 2 after a face first fall that occurred with 8 minutes 57 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
San Antonio reported that Wembanyama tried a spin move in the paint, was fouled by Jrue Holiday, and hit the court face first while attempting a pass.
Televised footage showed Wembanyama remain motionless for about 30 seconds, then sit up and speak with teammates and Spurs staff before walking to the locker room and not returning.
The team announced he was ruled out of Game 2 and entered the NBA concussion protocol, which bars physical exertion for 24 hours and prevents starting the return to play steps for 48 hours from the injury.
The series stood tied 1-1 after Game 2, and the Spurs will play Game 3 on Friday in Portland with Game 4 scheduled on Sunday, as reported by the team and game coverage.
San Antonio entered the postseason as the No. 2 seed, and the club had presented Wembanyama with the Defensive Player of the Year award before the game, marking him as the youngest and the first unanimous winner.
As reported, Wembanyama averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game during the season, figures that underline his central role on both ends of the court.
Concussion Timeline Risks And Past NBA Cases
Under league protocol the earliest medical clearance cannot begin until 48 hours after the incident, so Wembanyama could be eligible for Game 3 only if he shows no symptoms and a league-appointed neurological physician approves.
Sports Illustrated noted there are three days between Game 2 and Game 3, which technically allows clearance, but the outlet also reported it may be prudent for the Spurs to keep him home rather than rush him back for a road game.
The report reviewed past NBA concussion recoveries to provide context, including Klay Thompson who returned to play eight days after a playoff concussion despite experiencing symptoms later that night.
Other examples cited include Justise Winslow missing nine games over roughly three weeks, Donovan Mitchell being sidelined for more than two weeks, and Jarrett Allen missing eight games.
The Spurs’ own recent concussion history was also referenced, with Jakob Poeltl and Jock Landale both suffering concussions on the same day in the 2021-22 season; Landale missed two games and returned on February 9, while Poeltl missed one game and returned three days later and played 32 minutes.
Sports Illustrated concluded that every concussion differs, and a cautious approach could mean Wembanyama misses at least a couple of games to protect his long term health and the franchise’s interests.
