04/23/26 07:53:00
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04/23 19:51 CDT Victor Wembanyama travels with the Spurs to Portland and is
listed as questionable to play in Game 3
Victor Wembanyama travels with the Spurs to Portland and is listed as
questionable to play in Game 3
By RAUL DOMINGUEZ
Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO (AP) --- Victor Wembanyama traveled with the San Antonio Spurs to
Portland for games this weekend while continuing to complete the steps mandated
by the league's concussion protocol.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson stopped short Thursday of saying Wembanyama will play
in Game 3. Wembanyama is "progressing," Johnson said, but his status against
the Trail Blazers remains uncertain.
"He looks good," Johnson said, noting that the Spurs hadn't even started
discussions on when Wembanyama can play again.
The Spurs listed him as questionable to play Friday in Game 3.
Wembanyama was at the team's practice facility for a second consecutive day
Thursday, walking around in a black hoodie and gray sweatpants. He even got a
few shots up, teammate Julian Champagnie said.
"He was only around for a little bit this morning," Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox
said Thursday. "Obviously, we just want him to be healthy."
Wembanyama --- the league's first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year
and one of three finalists for the Most Valuable Player award --- suffered a
concussion in the Spurs' Game 2 loss to Portland on Tuesday night, leaving the
game in the second quarter.
The series is tied 1-1. Game 4 is Sunday, also in Portland.
There are very specific steps that players have to clear before being removed
from the league's concussion protocol. Players begin the return-to-play process
with light exertion --- such as riding a stationary bike, jogging, agility work
and non-contact basketball drills --- and each step is followed by another
neurological examination.
Wembanyama's results will also be compared to his baseline neurological
evaluation --- which players undergo prior to each season --- before doctors
permit him to move forward in the return-to-play plan.
"It's pretty straightforward," Johnson said. "Obviously, we hope he'll be back
at some point. But we'll allow the protocol to play out. And again, there's
nothing more important than his health."
Any extended absence by Wembanyama would be a massive blow to San Antonio,
which finished with the league's second-best record behind the versatile
7-foot-4 center from France. They were 12-6 in the regular season without
Wembanyama.
Wembanyama averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a league-best 3.1
blocks per game this season. He was also with his teammates on Wednesday
evening, when they all donned cowboy hats and surprised teammate Keldon Johnson
after he was announced as the league's Sixth Man of the Year.
"We know that he's chomping at the bit to get back on the court and be with his
guys," Johnson said.
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