Victor Wembanyama offered reassurance to Spurs fans after leaving Wednesday’s match with what appeared to be a painful hyperextension of his left knee.
The moment looked alarming as he limped off the floor early in the fourth quarter, but the rookie star subsequently downplayed the severity and expressed confidence that the injury is not serious, according to reporting from Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News.
Wembanyama explained that although the knee was painful, he felt encouraged by the way it responded shortly after the incident.
“I feel good, just sore,” he said, adding that he thought he was close to competing again before the team held him back as a precaution.
He described the stretch as a simple hyperextension and suggested it should be minor, noting that the idea is to monitor it closely and make sure everything is fine.
He expects to be available for Friday’s game at Indiana, which starts a back-to-back set, although he acknowledged the final decision will rest with the medical staff.
The injury occurred when he landed awkwardly while fighting for an offensive rebound, a moment that immediately raised concerns among teammates and coaches alike.
After examination, Wembanyama was able to return to the bench under his own power, walking normally and remaining with the team for the remainder of the match while wearing slippers.
Head coach Mitch Johnson said he had not yet spoken in depth with the medical staff, but was encouraged by what he observed.
“I think I saw what everyone else saw,” he said. “Obviously he finished the game on the bench with his teammates, so I think that made me feel good.”
While Johnson made no medical predictions, he noted that seeing Wembanyama moving comfortably after the incident was a positive sign.
Spurs notes: Wembanyama, Champagnie, Fox, Vassell https://t.co/H8dcefSoVF pic.twitter.com/XKtlIkaWUe
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 1, 2026
#Mitch #Johnson #optimistic #Victor #Wembanyamas #knee #injury #TalkBasket.net