Victor Wembanyama was forced out during the final quarter of the San Antonio-New York game won by the Spurs. The French pivot suffered from a slight hyperextension of his left knee but did not seem too worried.
San Antonio Spurs fans held their breath as the year 2025, brimming with potential, threatened to end on a sour note. During Wednesday’s rematch of the NBA Cup final against the New York Knicks – a game the Texans won 134-132 in their home arena – Victor Wembanyama sustained an injury with 10 minutes and 32 seconds left in the fourth quarter, while the Knicks led 96-102. The 7’4” rookie limped off the court, but quickly reassured anxious fans with a wave and the words, “I’m fine, I’m fine,” before taking a seat on the bench.
Wembanyama Considered Returning to the Game
Following the game, initial examinations revealed a slight hyperextension of Wembanyama’s left knee, with further evaluation scheduled for Thursday. “I feel good, just a little sore. I am very confident,” Wembanyama stated, according to reports. He even admitted he was eager to re-enter the contest. “I was actually very close to wanting to return to the field. But they held me back (the Spurs medical staff). (…) When I think about how I do this hyperextension, I tell myself that I could be more careful with this type of action. And on the other hand, you have to have this responsibility to give everything for the team.” He had been playing exceptionally well, racking up 31 points on 10 of 12 shots, along with 13 rebounds, in 24 minutes of play.
Individual Awards Could Be Impacted
The extent of Wembanyama’s potential absence remains to be seen. However, even if it isn’t his primary focus, the soon-to-be 26-year-old faces a time constraint if he hopes to contend for an individual award, such as Defensive Player of the Year. To be eligible, he must appear in at least 65 regular season games. “I don’t mind this rule. And yes, of course, even if it’s not the first thing I think of, it’s in my head,” he acknowledged. The Spurs, currently second in the Western Conference, recently completed a demanding stretch of back-to-back games: Friday and Saturday in Indiana and against Portland, followed by Tuesday and Wednesday in Memphis and against the Lakers.
