SAN ANTONIO — Spurs center Victor Wembanyama exited Wednesday night’s 134–132 victory over the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter after his left knee gave way while he was contesting a rebound near the basket.
Wembanyama said afterward that he hyperextended the knee and that early examinations showed no additional damage, though further tests were scheduled for Thursday. He added that he felt close to returning to the game.
“I felt confident — I was almost ready to go back in,” Wembanyama said. “They stopped me, but it was just a hyperextension, so it should be minor. We’ll run more checks tomorrow to make sure everything’s fine. I expect to play next game.”
The injury occurred with 10:32 remaining and San Antonio trailing 106–92 as Wembanyama battled Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordan Clarkson for a rebound. He immediately clutched his knee before teammate Stephon Castle helped him to his feet. Wembanyama walked to the locker room under his own power and appeared to reassure both Castle and the crowd that he was okay.
He later returned to the bench wearing warmups with 1:22 left but did not re-enter the game. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said seeing Wembanyama on the bench was an encouraging sign.
“I haven’t spoken with the medical staff yet, but he was able to finish the game with the team,” Johnson said. “That made me feel better.”
Wembanyama totaled 31 points and 13 rebounds in 24 minutes. Earlier this season, the third-year center missed 12 games with a left calf strain, returning on Dec. 13 and gradually working back into the starting lineup. He entered Wednesday averaging 24.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game.
