12/31/25 11:07:00
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12/31 23:06 CST Spurs' Wembanyama doesn't expect to miss time after
hyperextending knee in win over Knicks
Spurs' Wembanyama doesn't expect to miss time after hyperextending knee in win
over Knicks
By RAUL DOMINGUEZ
Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO (AP) --- Victor Wembanyama says he feels fine and does not expect
to miss any time after hyperextending his left knee Wednesday against the New
York Knicks.
Now, whether the San Antonio Spurs agree with the center's prognosis remains to
be seen. But, all sides are grateful the episode was not anything worse.
"It's a good thing it was just a hyperextension," Wembanyama said. "It should
be minimal, whatever this thing is."
Wembanyama left Wednesday night's rematch with the Knicks in the fourth
quarter, but returned to the bench in time to see the Spurs win 134-132.
Wembanyama finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds in 24 minutes as San Antonio
avenged a 124-113 loss to New York in the NBA Cup final on Dec. 16.
Wembanyama took to the court after Wednesday's game to gleefully lead the
newest Spurs tradition that he created --- having the crowd clap their hands
after each bang of the drum.
"I was confident," Wembanyama said. "I wasn't bad. I was this close to coming
back into the game. They have to hold me back."
Wembanyama went to the locker room with just under 11 minutes remaining, but
returned to the Spurs bench with 1:22 left in the game. He was alone and
walking without a limp when he returned.
"I'm feeling good, just sore," Wembanyama said. "Very confident (he is
healthy)."
Wembanyama leaped to gather an offensive rebound over Knicks enter Karl-Anthony
Towns with 10:32 left in the game and lost possession when he landed. Replays
showed there was no contact, but Wembanyama's left foot slid forward and his
knee appeared to hyperextend.
Wembanyama remained on the court while New York went on offense. Spurs forward
Kelly Olynyk intentionally committed a foul so the Spurs could check on
Wembanyama. Spurs guards Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox helped Wembanyama get
up before he hobbled straight to the locker room unassisted.
San Antonio trainers, doctors and general manager Brian Wright followed
Wembanyama to the locker room.
Wembanyama was heard yelling "I'll be back" several times to the fans as he ran
through the tunnel toward the locker room while emphatically throwing his hands
down.
True to his word, Wembanyama quietly walked past the fans back to the bench.
It was a welcome sight for the Spurs after some tense minutes.
Wembanyama said the Spurs checked his knee while he was in the locker room, but
he expects the team to conduct more tests Thursday.
Wembanyama said he expects to play Friday at Indiana.
"I expect to play in the next game, I don't know what they're expecting," he
said.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
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