41 and Still Dominant: LeBron Drops 31, Shocks Grizzlies
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A brief scare was enough for the **San Antonio Spurs** to hit pause on their franchise cornerstone. **Victor Wembanyama** has been ruled out of Saturday’s matchup against the **Portland Trail Blazers** after hyperextending his left knee earlier this week, prompting the team to take a cautious approach despite encouraging medical results.
The injury occurred Wednesday night against the **New York Knicks** when Wembanyama landed awkwardly while contesting a rebound. He immediately reached for his knee and headed to the locker room, though he was able to walk off the court without assistance. An MRI performed the following day showed no ligament damage, according to league sources, but San Antonio still opted to keep him sidelined as he continues treatment.
Rather than traveling with the team, Wembanyama stayed back to receive care at the Spurs’ training facility, prioritizing recovery over a quick return. Despite the moment of concern, he had delivered a dominant performance before exiting the Knicks game, posting 31 points and 13 rebounds in just 24 minutes — a reminder of how impactful he is even in limited action.
This latest setback comes after an earlier absence this season, when Wembanyama missed time due to a left calf strain. Since returning, the Spurs have carefully managed his workload, easing him back into the lineup before restoring him to the starting role late in December. Even with those interruptions, he remains the team’s most productive player, leading San Antonio in scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking.
For now, the Spurs are choosing patience over risk. With no structural damage detected but lingering soreness from the hyperextension, the organization will continue monitoring his progress and adjust his availability accordingly. The focus is clear: protect their generational talent and ensure his health over the long haul rather than pushing him back too soon.
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