The postseason fortunes of the San Antonio Spurs were altered when Victor Wembanyama suffered a nasty fall during Game 2 of their first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers. As a result of this fall, the MVP finalist was taken out of the game and placed in the concussion protocol.
Over 24 hours later, ESPN’s Shams Charania appeared on “Inside the NBA” to offer an update on Wembanyama’s condition.
“I’m told Victor Wembanyama was able to participate in cardio work here late Wednesday because his symptoms didn’t worsen. He wasn’t feeling worse than he did when he suffered the concussion.”
Charania added that, while Victor Wembanyama is “hopeful” that he’ll be able to join his team in Portland, there’s an arduous process that he’ll have to go through in order for him to actually get cleared.
“Whether he’s able to clear concussion protocol in time to play in Game 3 on Friday in Portland, is an obvious question…This is a process that’s going to be overseen by not only the Spurs medical staff, but also the league’s concussion protocol director…He has to clear neurological exams every single day.”
Heading into the playoffs, the Spurs were projected as strong challengers to the OKC Thunder down the line. With Wembanyama’s health at risk after the incident in Game 2, the Spurs now find themselves in an uphill battle, having lost homecourt advantage in their series against the Blazers.
“They’re Going to Name the Award After Him”: Victor Wembanyama Draws Praise From 1x NBA Champion After Winning DPOY Award
Still, the record books will show that Victor Wembanyama had a stellar 2025-26 season on both ends of the floor. After Wembanyama won Defensive Player of the Year, one-time NBA champion Paul Pierce showered him with praise on the “No Fouls Given” podcast.
“They’re going to name the award after him at some point when my kids make it to the NBA. It’s going to be called the ‘Defensive Wembanyama Player of the Year’ award.”
Wembanyama, of course, is a contender for the MVP award as well. In all likelihood, this won’t be the last time that the Spurs big man is in the picture for both of those awards.
