The Spurs All-Star will miss the rest of Tuesday’s game.
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs face a tougher playoff test after All-Star Victor Wembanyama was placed into concussion protocol upon leaving in the first half, according to the team.
Wembanyama’s head slammed hard onto the floor with 8:57 remaining in the second quarter. He stayed on his stomach for several prolonged moments before moving into a sitting position as teammates tended to him. He eventually got up and headed to the locker room under his own power.
He finished with five points on 1-of-3 shooting, along with four rebounds, an assist and a block in 12 minutes. San Antonio went 2-1 in the regular season against Portland, all games that Wembanyama missed.
The 7-foot-4 center celebrated being awarded NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors when he was presented with the trophy during pregame festivities.
Team officials said he was being evaluated for a concussion and won’t return in Game 2. The 2-seed Spurs are looking to go up 2-0 in the first-round series against the 7-seed Trail Blazers.
The two teams entered the half tied at 57-57. Stephon Castle had a team-high 12 points, six rebounds and three assists. Scoot Henderson of the Trail Blazers led all players with 19 points after two quarters.
This is a developing story.