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Printable Page
04/26 14:42 CDT Spurs star Victor Wembanyama available to play vs. Trail
Blazers after clearing concussion protocol
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama available to play vs. Trail Blazers after clearing
concussion protocol
By ANNE M. PETERSON
AP Sports Writer
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) --- San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is available
to play Sunday in Game 4 of the team's first-round playoff series against the
Portland Trail Blazers after clearing the NBA's concussion protocol.
Wembanyama, the league's first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, missed
Game 3 on Friday in Portland. The Spurs won 120-108 to go up 2-1 in the series.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said before Sunday's game that the team was prepared
for either scenario. Wembanyama was listed as questionable going into the game.
"Fortunately, we have a little experience preparing for a variety of lineups
and rotations," Johnson said. "I think the guys have really empowered us as a
staff, I'd say, throughout the season, of being able to have a brand and
identity regardless of availability."
Wembanyama sustained the concussion in the first half of Tuesday's 106-103 loss
to the Blazers in San Antonio and did not return to the game. He traveled to
Portland while continuing to complete the steps mandated by the league's
concussion protocol.
Luke Kornet got the Game 3 start against the Trail Blazers in Wembanyama's
absence, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. San Antonio was boosted by
Stephon Castle with 33 points and rookie Dylan Harper, who had 27 points and 10
rebounds.
Players must clear a series of benchmarks before they are allowed to play under
the concussion protocol. The results are compared to baseline neurological
evaluations players take at the start of the season.
Wembanyama averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a league-best 3.1
blocks per game this season.
San Antonio finished with the league's second-best record behind the versatile
7-foot-4 center from France. It went 12-6 in the regular season without him.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
