Victor Vembanyama on a knee strike with Giannis Antetokounmpo

ByNBAUSA



San Antonio Spurs center Victor Vembanyama had a terrifying knee-to-knee crash Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo during the Spurs game on Thursday, but bounced back quickly to help San Antonio to a 119-101 victory. The incident raised concerns about the young star’s stamina during a breakout season.

The collision occurred in the first quarter when Antetokounmpo flew to the basket and their knees collided. Vembanjama fell to the floor, clutched his right knee and hobbled to the locker room just three minutes into the game. Fans and staff were left upset as he was listed as questionable to return.

An animal lessened the fear after the game, as he gave the fans and his team a sigh of relief.

“I didn’t think it was serious because it was just a knee to a knee, and I’ve had this dozens of times, but never against a guy like (Antetokounmpo),” he said after the game. “It was a bit more than usual, but luckily it’s a very benign thing.”

He came back in the second quarter and quickly changed the momentum with a strong play. Vembanyama contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds in the win, showing why he is averaging 23.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.7 blocks this season despite some injuries. Upon his return to the game, he received a standing ovation.

Spurs are taking Wembanyama’s health extremely seriously this season. The star of the franchise has missed a few games because of calf and knee problems and alternated between starting and coming off the bench.

However, the 22-year-old was strong after a 104-103 loss to Minnesotawhere his team blew a 19-point fourth-quarter lead and lost to Oklahoma City 119-98 on Tuesday.

Injuries also put Vembanyama at risk of missing out on individual awards. Under the NBA’s 65-game rule, he can play in at least three more games to remain eligible.





2026-01-16 16:23:00

Similar Posts