Victor Wembanyama left the floor just three minutes into Thursday night, and for a moment, San Antonio held its breath.
The Victor Wembanyama exited to the locker room after banging knees while defending Giannis Antetokounmpo against the Milwaukee Bucks, sparking immediate concern given his recent injury history. By the second quarter, those fears eased. Wembanyama returned to a standing ovation and finished the night with 22 points and 10 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs cruised to a 119-101 win.
Postgame, Wembanyama made it clear the scare was more alarming than serious.
"I did not think it was serious because it was just knee to knee, and I've had this dozens of times, but never against a guy like Giannis," Wembanyama said. "That was a little more than usual, but thankfully it's a very benign thing."
A season defined by caution
San Antonio has taken a deliberate approach with its franchise cornerstone throughout the 2025-26 season. Wembanyama has appeared in 27 games but started only 17, often operating under minutes restrictions. He is averaging just 29 minutes per game as the Spurs prioritize long-term health over short-term gains.
That caution stems from a year filled with interruptions. Wembanyama previously missed 12 games with a left calf strain and was eased back through bench appearances. Earlier knee issues also cost him time, including a minor hyperextension that showed no structural or ligament damage on MRI but sidelined him for two precautionary games.
The physical toll of the NBA has been evident, especially in matchups against elite forces like Antetokounmpo. Wembanyama acknowledged the challenge of knowing when to absorb contact and when to pull back.
"On a night like tonight, especially going up against a guy like Giannis, I think you have to be ready to give up your body for this matchup," he said. "But usually, unfortunately, we have to be smart, and I have to be smart about it and not take too many risks."
Stakes beyond the scoreboard
Health management carries added weight because of the NBA's 65-game rule. Wembanyama can miss no more than three additional games to remain eligible for postseason awards, specifically Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA, raising the stakes of every minor scare.
When available, his impact is undeniable. Through 27 games, he is averaging 23.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.7 blocks while shooting career-best marks of 51.6 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from three.
The challenge for San Antonio is clear: let Wembanyama be Wembanyama, without letting the season wear him down before it truly begins to matter.
Newsweek