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San Antonio Spurs’ big man Victor Wembanyama expressed his disappointment with the NBA’s concussion protocols. Wembanyama returned to action after missing Game 3 of the playoffs first round series against Portland Trail Blazers, and guided his side to a commanding win to take a 3-1 lead over their counterparts. However, after the game, the Frenchman opened up on the league’s concussion protocol.
Speaking to ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Wemby said, “The Spurs have done an amazing job. I’m very unhappy about the way the protocol has been handled by other parties. But my staff has been amazing. I’ve been really healthy starting on day one after the injury. The injury was weird, though. It was funny.”
When asked to clarify why he was unhappy with the handling by other parties, the DPOY 2025-26 added, “I don’t want to get into the details. I don’t want it to become a distraction. Ask me again after the end of the season. But again, all the doctors, especially on the Spurs, the doctors all around, they were great. Took great care of me. But the way the situation was handled was very disappointing.”
Victor Wembanyama on the NBA's concussion protocol: "I don't want it to become a distraction. Ask me again at the end of the season ... but the way the situation was handled was very disappointing."pic.twitter.com/aF1nU8weKg
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 26, 2026
What was the entire fiasco about?
During the Spurs’ Game 2 of the NBA playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers, the 22-year-old took a hard fall to the court. While he attended team workouts the next two days, he wasn’t allowed to take part under the protocol that calls for gradual return to activity with medical evaluations at every step. Though the Spurs managed to record a 120-108 win over the Spurs in Game 3, Wembanyama’s absence was felt throughout the game.
However, he was cleared to return to action on Sunday, during Game 4. Wembanyama looked comfortable from the start and was active on both ends of the court. Moreover, there were no visible restrictions on Wembanyama, despite the fact that he was coming out of concussion protocol. During the game, he came up with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists, while recording four steals and seven blocks. The Spurs recorded a 114-93 win over the counterparts to extend their tally to 3-1.
