San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama suffered a hyperextended left knee during Wednesday's 134-132 victory over the New York Knicks but avoided ligament damage according to an MRI. The All-Star will miss Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers while listed as day-to-day. Initial reports suggested a quick return, but the team opted for caution.
Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs' 21-year-old French star, left the court in pain during the fourth quarter of Wednesday's home game against the New York Knicks. With 10:32 remaining, Wembanyama leaped for an offensive rebound over Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns. His left foot slid forward upon landing, causing his knee to bend awkwardly inward. He fell to the floor, grabbed his knee, and limped to the locker room for evaluation after teammates assisted him.
Despite the scare, Wembanyama returned to the bench without a limp in the final minutes, watching as the Spurs mounted a comeback. They trailed 102-96 when he exited but erupted for 71 points in the second half to secure the 134-132 win. In 24 minutes of play, Wembanyama contributed 31 points and 13 rebounds before his early departure.
Postgame, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson expressed relief: "There's a visual there, but obviously he finished the game on the bench with his teammates, so that made me feel good." Wembanyama himself was optimistic, stating, "Feeling good, just sore. I was 'this' close to coming back in the game. They had to hold me back." He later added, "It’s a good thing it was just a hyperextension. It should be minimal, whatever this thing is."
An MRI on Thursday confirmed no ligament damage, but the Spurs announced Wembanyama would miss Friday's road game against the Indiana Pacers (6-28). He did not travel with the team and will rehabilitate in San Antonio, with his status day-to-day. He is questionable for Saturday's home matchup against Portland.
The injury echoes a recent hyperextension suffered by Denver's Nikola Jokić, who will be sidelined for at least four weeks. Wembanyama, a reigning All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, has been pivotal for the Spurs (24-9), who sit second in the Western Conference, 4.5 games behind Oklahoma City. He averages 24.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.9 blocks in 21 games this season. This marks his second injury absence; he missed a month earlier due to a calf strain from November 14 to December 13.
