The Spurs announced shortly before tip-off that their MVP finalist and unanimous Defensive Player of the Year had successfully cleared concussion protocols and would be available for the game. Despite a shaky start, missing four of his first twelve shots, Wembanyama finished the match with an impressive 27 points (on 9-of-17 shooting), 11 rebounds, 7 blocks, and 4 steals in 34 minutes of play.
After trailing by as many as 19 points in the first half, the Spurs staged a remarkable comeback, outplaying the Blazers in the final 24 minutes. This victory puts them just one win away from securing a spot in the second round of the playoffs.
The Spurs center had sustained a concussion during the 106-103 loss to the Blazers on Tuesday. The injury occurred when he hit his head on the court after being fouled on a drive by Jrue Holiday. This incident clearly caused him frustration, and he expressed his dissatisfaction, though without explicit detail.
“The way the situation was handled is very disappointing,” he stated, clarifying that his comments did not refer to the Spurs medical staff, whom he acknowledged “took great care” of him. “I’m not going to go into details, I don’t want this to become a distraction. Ask me again after the season. It was a decision. I’m not saying not playing was a good or bad decision. But the way the situation was handled is very disappointing.”
English Translation:
The Spurs announced approximately an hour before tip-off that the MVP finalist and unanimous Defensive Player of the Year had successfully passed the health protocols and would be available for the game. After a difficult start to the match (missing 4 of his first 12 shots), Wemby finished the game with 27 points (9/17 shooting), 11 rebounds, 7 blocks, and 4 steals in 34 minutes. After being down by 19 points in the first half, the Spurs turned the tables and outplayed the Blazers in the last 24 minutes. They are now one victory away from qualifying for the second round. The Spurs center suffered a concussion during the 106-103 loss against the Blazers on Tuesday when he hit his head on the court after being fouled on a penetration by Jrue Holiday. This generated frustration in him. He spoke about the subject but without clarity.
“The way the situation was handled is very disappointing.” He clarified that he was not referring to the Spurs medical staff, who he said “took great care” of him. “I’m not going into details, I don’t want this to become a distraction. Ask me again after the end of the season. It was a decision. I’m not saying not playing was a good or bad decision. But the way the situation was handled is very disappointing.”
