San Antonio: Victor Wembanyama suffered a left rib contusion and was ruled out for the second half as the San Antonio Spurs secured a 115–102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.
The injury occurred midway through the second quarter when Wembanyama collided with 76ers forward Paul George near midcourt while attempting to receive a pass in transition. The 22-year-old briefly left the floor and headed to the locker room before returning to the bench late in the first half. However, he asked to be substituted again just before halftime and did not return for the remainder of the game.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said the team had not yet determined the severity of the injury. “He came back and tried to finish the half, which is encouraging,” Johnson noted, adding that the decision to keep him out after halftime was precautionary.
Despite the shortened outing, Wembanyama logged 15 minutes and 40 seconds, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds and three blocks. The appearance still counts toward postseason award eligibility, though he will need at least one more game of 20 minutes to maintain qualification.
The French star entered the matchup in dominant form, coming off three consecutive games with at least 30 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks — a streak matched by few players since blocks were officially recorded, trailing only Shaquille O’Neal’s four-game run in 1999.
Wembanyama has been the Spurs’ standout performer this season, leading the team in scoring (24.9 points per game), rebounds (11.6) and blocks (3.1). His health will be closely monitored with just a handful of regular-season games remaining and postseason awards races intensifying.
Source: ESPN
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