PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama expressed frustration over how his recent concussion situation was handled.
Wembanyama cleared the league’s concussion protocol just an hour before Sunday’s Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers. He immediately made an impact, scoring 27 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a decisive 114-93 victory.
The 7-foot-4 forward missed Game 3 due to the concussion but saw the team clinch a win, 120-108. “The way the situation was handled was very disappointing,” Wembanyama comments. While he didn’t provide much detail, he clarified that he wasn’t criticizing the Spurs’ medical team.
His concussion occurred during a previous game against the Blazers, preventing him from finishing that match. Following the concussion protocol, he traveled to Portland while working through required steps for clearance.
Wembanyama, averaging 25 points and 3.1 blocks this season, indicated he’d rather discuss his frustrations after the season. “I don’t want it to become a distraction,” he stated.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson mentioned that the team was prepared to adjust with or without Wembanyama. “We’ve developed a strong identity regardless of player availability,” he noted.
Wembanyama’s situation highlights growing concerns in sports about concussion management. A survey by the Brain Injury Research Institute revealed that over 60% of athletes feel unsure about the protocols in place. As awareness increases, improved measures may emerge to protect players better during high-stakes seasons.
This recent win puts the Spurs ahead 3-1 in their series, with the next game shifting back to San Antonio. In Wembanyama’s absence during Game 3, Luke Kornet stepped up, contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The league’s concussion protocol requires players to meet several benchmarks, compared with preseason neurological evaluations, before they can play again.
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Victor Wembanyama, Head injuries, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, OR State Wire, NBA, Texas, Oregon, TX State Wire, Athlete injuries, San Antonio, NBA Playoffs, NBA basketball, Sports, Luke Kornet, Mitch Johnson
