Wemby OUT for Game 3? Spurs Face Suspicion After Loss

Blazers Even Series 1-1, Wemby’s Status Uncertain

The Portland Trail Blazers snatched a thrilling 106-103 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, tying their playoff series at one game apiece. However, the big story after the game wasn’t just the Blazers’ win, but the potential absence of Spurs’ phenom Victor Wembanyama for Game 3. There’s a cloud of suspicion hanging over his availability due to concussion protocol, leaving many to question if he’ll be back on the court soon.

Under league rules, a player sidelined by concussion protocol cannot return to full play for at least 48 hours after the injury. This timeline would put Wemby out for Game 3, which is set for Friday night in Portland.

While he could potentially return partially after 24 hours with a doctor’s evaluation, the full return process requires meeting specific benchmarks. The Spurs do have two days off before Game 3, which will be played in Portland, followed by another game on Sunday.

Spurs’ Fourth Quarter Collapse Raises Concerns

The most alarming aspect of the Spurs’ loss was their inability to close out the game, even without Wembanyama. They held a commanding 14-point lead in the fourth quarter against a Portland team that struggled with shooting. Losing such a lead against a team that won only 42 games this season is a major red flag for San Antonio.

“Win the game. Don’t put yourself in this situation,” one analyst stated, expressing frustration with the Spurs’ late-game execution.

“These are the Trailblazers who won 42 games. You got to put that game away in your building up by 14 points in the in the fourth quarter.” The inability to secure the win, even with their top scorers struggling, is a concern for the Spurs moving forward.

Wemby’s Return: Friday or Sunday?

The debate is heating up over when, or even if, Victor Wembanyama will return. While the Spurs have two days off, the average missed time for a concussion is around nine days, according to some reports. This statistic suggests a cautious approach might be taken by the team.

“I’m going to tell you something. I don’t have San Antonio losing this series,” said one commentator, expressing confidence in the Spurs’ overall talent. “I have them winning this series.

I believe in De’Aran Fox. I believe in Stefon Castle. I believe in Vassel.

I believe in Barnes and these brothers. I mean, they can play now.” However, the immediate concern is Game 3.

Suspicion Surrounds Potential Quick Return

There’s a strong feeling that Wembanyama will not play on Friday. The league might view a rapid return after a significant hit as suspicious, especially given the optics. “Unless you’re talking about Bruce Seldon who got knocked out and never got hit,” one person quipped, referencing a past boxing incident to highlight the severity of Wemby’s hit.

The possibility of Wembanyama flying to Portland for Friday’s game is also in question, as his clearance for travel is unknown. If he misses both Friday and Sunday’s games, the Spurs could find themselves down 3-1 in the series. This scenario would force them into a difficult comeback attempt, playing three games in a row.

Portland’s Young Stars Shine

Amidst the Spurs’ uncertainty, the emergence of Portland’s young talent is a bright spot. Scoot Henderson put on a show in Game 2, scoring 31 points on impressive 65% shooting from the field, including five three-pointers. He hit a crucial shot late in the game that helped the Blazers stay within one point.

“I love what I’m seeing. I’m going to be the first to say this. I love me some Scooter Henderson,” one analyst exclaimed.

Henderson’s aggressive play, toughness, quickness, and shooting ability have him looking like a future star. The prospect of him pairing with Damian Lillard next year has the Blazers looking exciting for the future.

Spurs’ Youth and the Pressure of a 3-1 Deficit

Despite their talent, the Spurs’ youth is a significant factor. Even with strong coaching, some believe the team might be too young to overcome the pressure of a 3-1 series deficit if they fall behind. This is a challenge that even legendary players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James faced early in their careers.

“I think San Antonio’s too young. Even though De’Aran Fox and Harrison Barnes, it doesn’t apply to the two of them.

I think they’re too young,” one pundit noted. The idea of coming back from 3-1 down, especially as a young team, is a monumental task that could stunt their development if they fail.

The Path Forward for Both Teams

The upcoming Sunday game, Game 4, could be crucial. If the Spurs lose Game 3 on Friday, they’ll be down 2-1 heading into Sunday. A loss in that game would put them in a dire 3-1 hole, making a comeback incredibly difficult, even with Wembanyama healthy.

The Spurs’ season might be on the line on Sunday afternoon. If they lose that game, they could be facing elimination. The question remains whether the young Spurs squad, even with Wembanyama, can handle that kind of pressure and win three straight games on the road.

Future Outlook for Portland and San Antonio

For Portland, the emergence of Scoot Henderson is incredibly promising. Paired with a potential return of Damian Lillard, the Blazers could be a force in the coming years. Their performance in these playoffs, especially Henderson’s, has shown they are a team to watch.

The Spurs, meanwhile, must navigate this series without their star and learn how to win close games. Even if they lose this series, the playoff experience and the tough lessons learned could be vital for their long-term development. The focus now shifts to whether Wembanyama can clear protocol and if the Spurs can avoid a crippling 3-1 deficit.

Source: Stephen A. sees NO WAY Victor Wembanyama could be back for Game 3 ☝️ 'SUSPICIOUS!' | First Take (YouTube)