The San Antonio Spurs star had to leave the game under concussion protocol. The length of his absence is uncertain, according to his coach, Mitch Johnson.

A bad night for the San Antonio Spurs who quickly saw Victor Wembanyama leave the game under concussion protocol before losing by a hair 106-103 at home to the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the NBA playoffs on Tuesday.

Portland thus levels the series at 1-1 in this best-of-seven match before hosting the next game on Friday, for which Wembanyama's presence is uncertain.

After the celebration of the first victorious game and Victor Wembanyama's 35 points in his playoff debut on Sunday, the atmosphere cooled considerably in Texas for Game 2.

In the second quarter, at 8 minutes 57 seconds of the break, the 22-year-old Frenchman, with the ball in his hands, was fouled by Jrue Holiday, causing him to lose his balance and fall heavily forward, suffering a heavy impact to his head against the court.

“Wemby” remained face down for a few moments, seemingly stunned, eventually turned around, then got up on his own before running to the locker room.

The Spurs announced before the break that their star player, who had 5 points and 4 rebounds, would not return to the court on Tuesday due to the "concussion protocol".

According to NBA rules, a player must not return to play if he is "suspected of having suffered a concussion" or if he "is showing symptoms of a concussion".

Uncertain duration of absence

Coach Mitch Johnson confirmed after the game that Wembanyama had indeed suffered a concussion, and that he would "follow the procedure" in place.

The Frenchman will need to rest for at least 48 hours. He could be available for the third game in Portland on Friday, if his tests are reassuring, or he could face a longer absence.

Having been absent from the playoffs since 2019, the Spurs rediscovered the harshness of the final stages on Tuesday, and lost their way at the end of the game.

The young Texans, thanks to an elite defense, managed to take a 14-point lead in the 4th quarter, before collapsing.

The only starter who has already experienced the playoffs, point guard De'Aaron Fox (17 points) had a poor end to the game, like a team that was clumsy from long range (7 for 24 at 29%).

Young Scoot Henderson was dazzling for Portland with 31 points, and center Robert Williams III gave them a decisive advantage with an alley-oop with 12 seconds left on the clock.

Earlier, the Boston Celtics were also surprised at home by the Philadelphia 76ers, who won 111-97 and are now tied 1-1.

Still without Joel Embiid, who underwent appendicitis surgery on April 9, the 76ers were led by their rookie VJ Edgecombe, who at 20 years old compiled 30 points (6 of 10 from three) and 10 rebounds.

Tyrese Maxey also delivered with 29 points against Jaylen Brown (36 points, 7 rebounds) and Jayson Tatum (19 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists), who will travel to Pennsylvania on Friday for the 3rd game.

Victor Wembanyama entered concussion protocol after hitting his head on the court during Game 2 of Spurs-Blazers.

🎥 @NBCSports | H/T @ShowCaseShabazz pic.twitter.com/CjG3Sw1a8J

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic)

Chargement du post X/Twitter...