UPDATE: In a tense moment during the fourth quarter, Victor Wembanyama appeared to hyper-extend his left knee while playing for the San Antonio Spurs against the New York Knicks in a high-stakes game on December 27, 2023. The injury raised immediate concerns about a potential serious knee issue, especially following a similar injury suffered by Nikola Jokic earlier this week.
Wembanyama, the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year, left the court limping but did return to the bench as the Spurs clinched a thrilling 134-132 victory. This win was particularly significant as it avenged their loss to the Knicks in the NBA Cup championship game on December 16 in Las Vegas.
Fortunately, initial assessments provided encouraging news. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Wembanyama sustained a slight hyperextension in his left knee, with tests showing no major injury. “Sounds like good news,” noted Jesse Morse, a physician specializing in sports injuries.
“Feeling good, just sore. Very confident,” Wembanyama said in a post-game interview. “I was this close to coming back in the game, but they had to hold me back. The good thing is it was just a hyperextension, so it should be minimal [time off].”
Wembanyama’s current season stats are impressive, averaging 24.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. His performance is crucial as the Spurs stand as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 24-9.
This injury update is a relief for Spurs fans and the organization, who are hopeful for a quick recovery for their star player. The team will continue to monitor Wembanyama’s condition closely as they prepare for upcoming games.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Spurs assess Wembanyama’s availability for future matchups. His health will be pivotal for the team’s aspirations this season.
