Victor Wembanyama injury update, Giannis Antetokounmpo nightmare comments on Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs injury report, Milwaukee Bucks, Spurs Bucks game
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Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs makes a move against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the first half at Frost Bank Center on January 15, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas.
There were a few major storylines that came out of the San AntonioSpurs‘ 119-101 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, but perhaps none moreimportant than franchise star Victor Wembanyama going down with a knee injury after a first-quarter collision with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Wembanyama did return to the game and helped spark a run that eventually led to theSpurs’ blowout win. Yet still, the minor injury adds to an underlying storyline on the Frenchcenter’s status and future as the face of the NBA.
Speaking after the game, Wembanyama said the injurywasn’t anythingmajor, andthough it differed from the number of falls he had against the Oklahoma City Thunder due towho thecollision came against, itdoesn’t appear to be anything hindering him going forward.
The franchise star finished the game with 22 points and 11 rebounds in 24 minutes, and as mentioned, helped spark an eventual 39-point Spurs lead, of which they never gave up to hand Antetokounmpo and the Bucks their third-straight loss.
Giannis Antetokounmpo On Victor Wembanyama
While the collision between the two unicorns seemed to cause Wembanyama some initial pain, theredidn’t seem to be any bad blood by the final whistle, as both talked with each other for a minute after the final buzzer, with their hands covering their mouths.
However, speaking to reporters postgame, Antetokounmpo did reveal some of the things he said to Wembanyama.
“I had the opportunity to speak to him after the game and as long as he stays healthy,he’s the future of this league. Thesky’s the limit,”Antetokounmpo said. “He’s just gotta put his head down, work and just lead his team to win in games.”
Just like theSpurs’ star, the 2021 Finals MVP knows whatit’s like coming into the league as a tall, skinny player with boatloads of potential. While it took Antetokounmpo a bit longer to develop into hisfull form, Wembanyama, when healthy, seems well on his way to becoming the face of the league, as seen with his one-of-a-kind moments on a seemingly night-to-night basis.
“He’s going to be in his final level and thenit’s going to be a nightmare,”Antetokounmpo said. “BecauseI’m a competitor, I love playing against the best. I would love to see that final stage and facethat final stage beforeI’m too old. You want to have it on your resume, you want to play the best.”
While Antetokounmpo made it clear that, if Wembanyama stays healthy, he has the chance to see a ton of success, as Jared Weiss and Eric Nehm ofThe Athletic wrote, the ‘ifs‘and ‘as long as‘comments stood out.
Wembanyama has a knack for falling, whether that be due to him trying to minimize the damage on his legs or just due to the contact he is taking; neither is a good outcome. That was on full display both against the Thunder and Bucks, and thoughhe’s already missed a ton of time throughout his career with injuries, that might be atough thing to change.
Victor Wembanyama Injury Update
Wembanyama had Spurs fans holding their breath when he went down in the first quarter after a collision with Antetokounmpo. However, he eventually returned, and according to the star himself, hedoesn’t think that particular bump will cause any lasting concerns.
“I did not think it was serious because it was just knee to knee, andI’ve had this dozens of times, but never against a guy like [Antetokounmpo],”Wembanyama said. “It’s feeling well, better than I expected. I mean,it’s feeling well for this part of the season. Of course, sore from everywhere, just like everybody in the league…but actuallyI’m fine. It shows progress.”
There has been a constant of Wembanyama falling and hitting the court through the first two and a half seasons of his career.As mentioned,that could be due to his attempting to minimize the strainput on his lower body, but at the same time, the constant falls likelyaren’t doing him any favors.
“I’ve always felt lucky thatI’ve always had great instincts in this matter, and on the court in general, on how to place my body and protect it,”he added. “Sometimes,it’s going to hurt or somethingyou’re going to have to do some things that feel counterintuitive, butit’s for the better.”
With their relatively similar frame, Antetokounmpo knows what the young French star is dealing with and believes, as time goes on,he’ll understand his body better and how to deal with collisions againstrunaway trains like himself.
Wemby Central 👽
Wemby Giannis matchup tonight:
Wemby wins this round
“As you understand the game better, you get over yourself,”Antetokounmpo said. “You know your strengths, you know your weaknesses.Youjust try to play within your strength and then you become more efficient and you let the game come to you.”
For now, in what is good news for all, Wembanyama is not listed on theSpurs’ injury report.