Victor Wembanyama enters concussion protocol after hard fall in Spurs’ playoff loss to Trail Blazers

The San Antonio Spurs face uncertainty heading into Game 3 after star center Victor Wembanyama was placed in concussion protocol following a frightening fall during Tuesday night’s 106-103 playoff loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The 2.24m rookie phenom played just 12 minutes before the injury occurred with 8:57 remaining in the second quarter. Wembanyama was driving to the basket with Jrue Holiday defending when he landed chin-first on the court, appearing to briefly lose consciousness as his eyes closed momentarily.

A concerning scene at Frost Bank Center

The severity of the fall was immediately apparent as teammates Dylan Harper, Carter Bryant, Harrison Barnes, and Stephon Castle rushed to check on their fallen star. Wembanyama remained on the court for several minutes as the Spurs called timeout, with « Wemby » chants filling the arena from concerned fans.

« I was just checking on him, making sure he was OK, » Castle said. « I was subbing in. Obviously, he ran off [the floor]. So that’s a good sign. »

Head athletic trainer Will Sevening accompanied Wembanyama as he eventually stood up and ran through the tunnel toward the locker room. Holiday was assessed a non-shooting foul on the play, though he disputed the contact. « I got the foul call, » Holiday said. « I didn’t think I touched him, but I don’t really know. After they called the foul, I went to complain to the ref. I didn’t really see [Wembanyama’s fall]. »

Protocol and playoff implications

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson confirmed the diagnosis after the game. « I just know he has a concussion and he’s in the protocol, » Johnson stated. « We’ll obviously take the proper and appropriate steps. » When asked if Wembanyama was being evaluated for additional injuries, Johnson simply replied, « No. »

Under NBA concussion protocol guidelines, Wembanyama cannot return to full participation for 48 hours after the injury but may resume gradual activity after 24 hours if symptoms don’t worsen. He must clear several benchmarks while symptom-free before receiving clearance from the team doctor in consultation with the league protocol director.

Before his exit, Wembanyama had recorded five points and four rebounds. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, who became the youngest player ever to win the award unanimously on Monday, left the arena before the game concluded. His absence looms large as the series shifts to Portland for Game 3 on Friday.

« We’re hoping for the best, but I haven’t heard anything, » forward Keldon Johnson said. « Obviously, it’s a big hit that we don’t have the big fellow. But we’re a good team, and we’ll continue to stay together, have each other’s back and do what got us here. »