MRI shows no ligament damage in Victor Wembanyama’s left knee
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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama avoided serious injury after an MRI performed Thursday revealed no ligament damage in his hyperextended left knee, according to league sources.
The scan came one day after the 7-foot-4 star was hurt late in Wednesday’s 122-116 victory over the New York Knicks at Frost Bank Center. Wembanyama did not join the team for Friday’s road game against the Indiana Pacers, remaining in San Antonio to continue treatment at the Victory Capital Performance Center. He is listed as out for the matchup in Indianapolis.
Sources said the 22-year-old will be designated as questionable for Saturday’s home meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers and is considered day-to-day while managing left knee soreness.
The injury occurred with 10:32 remaining in the fourth quarter Wednesday as Wembanyama battled for a rebound with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordan Clarkson. After landing awkwardly, he grabbed his knee and needed help from teammate Stephon Castle to stand before walking to the locker room under his own power. As he exited, he told fans, “I’ll be all right,” and later returned to the bench wearing warmups and slide sandals. He finished the game with 31 points and 13 rebounds in 24 minutes.
“It was just a hyperextension, so it should be minimal,” Wembanyama said postgame. “I was this close to coming back in the game. They had to hold me back.”
Earlier this season, Wembanyama missed 12 contests because of a left calf strain. He rejoined the lineup on Dec. 13 in the NBA Cup semifinal against the Oklahoma City Thunder, came off the bench for six games and made his first start since the injury on Dec. 27 in a 127-114 loss to the Utah Jazz.
Now in his third NBA season, Wembanyama leads San Antonio with averages of 24.0 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game.
Source: ESPN
