As he treats a persistent ankle injury, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is on a “minutes restriction” and won’t play back-to-backs for a few weeks. The 19-year-old was left out of the Spurs’ 134–128 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, which has left him angry. He would rather be having fun. More than anything, it irritates him,” said coach Gregg Popovich.
PORTLAND, OREGON – DECEMBER 28: On December 28, 2023, in Portland, Oregon, Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs warms up prior to the Portland Trail Blazers game at Moda Centre. REMEMBER ME, USER: The user specifically agrees and recognises that, b
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The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 134–128 on Friday night without the services of star player Victor Wembanyama.
The NBA record-breaker has been irritated by Spurs coach Gregg Popovich’s revelation that the 19-year-old “can’t play back-to-backs” for the next two weeks due to a continuing ankle issue.
In the competition’s history, Wembanyama is the youngest player to record at least 30 points, six rebounds, six assists, and seven blocks in a single game.
The Spurs have now dropped eight of their previous ten games following Wembanyama’s rolled ankle in a 93-82 loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday night, so his absence was evident.
San Antonio’s franchise-record 17th straight loss came after their loss to the Rockets earlier this month, and while they have subsequently enjoyed sporadic victories over Portland and the Los Angeles Lakers, their general bad form has persisted.
The Spurs are now trying to turn things around, and they need to figure out how to use their best player without aggravating his ailment.
“His minutes are limited, and he won’t be able to play consecutive games for a few weeks until they take another image and examine his foot once more,” Popovich stated.
“As we were sitting
He wasn’t happy in Dallas, but I’m glad he wasn’t. He is an opponent. At this level, none of these men got here by being uncompetitive.So he would rather be having fun. It is the main source of his frustration.
“We communicate a lot with the medical staff, and I’ve made it clear that I want them to sit me out,” Wembanyama continued.If they want me to stay out of it, then I will trust them—but only if it is absolutely necessary. if they essentially compel me. I would play every game if it were up to me. However, I honour my role.They are experts in their field. I work professionally. I work hard to fulfil my responsibilities.