Victim of a violent fall that forced him to leave under concussion protocol on Tuesday, French Spurs star Victor Wembanyama could still be managed for Game 4 of the playoffs against Portland if he makes progress according to his coach.
Victor Wembanyama may have to wait a little longer before playing again. The Frenchman, who did not play on Friday in the Spurs’ victory on Portland’s court (120-108) as part of the concussion protocol, remains “uncertain” for Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs between San Antonio and Portland on Sunday, according to his team’s medical report published on Saturday.
“He is making progress”
The 22-year-old Frenchman remains in the concussion protocol after suffering a significant head injury on Tuesday during the second game. “Wemby” had lost his balance and fell heavily forward to prevent his head from hitting the ground violently. He remained unconscious and stunned for several seconds before heading to the locker room.
On Friday, the Spurs won without him on the Trail Blazers’ court and lead this series 2-1 in the best-of-seven games, before the fourth game on Sunday at 12:30 local time (9:30 pm Paris time). “He is feeling better and making progress,” his coach Mitch Jonhson indicated on Friday, before “Wemby” watched the game from the sidelines.
After observing 48 hours of mandatory rest until Thursday, the 2.24m phenomenon was able to gradually increase his physical activity. He is now waiting for the doctors’ approval for his return to the court.
Wembanyama won the Defensive Player of the Year award and remains in contention for the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award, for which he is among the three finalists alongside the incumbent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, after leading the Spurs to the second place in the Western Conference at the end of the regular season.
