Good news gets better as the Spurs officially list Victor Wembanyama as questionable for Game 3 in Portland after the 7'4" superstar suffered a concussion in the second quarter of Game 2. The designation usually means that the team expects the player to suit up, barring a setback, so at this rate, fans are allowed to show a little joy and optimism.
It's fair to be nervous about this. Some fans will say, "Don't rush him," but we have to remember who we're talking about. The San Antonio medical staff is known for being conservative. They won't put him at risk, so if they clear him, it's because they've done everything in their power to ensure he won't hurt himself further.
Wembanyama's return would wipe out Portland's hopes to beat Spurs
There would be a few irrational souls clinging to the belief that their team could overcome San Antonio, but even the most dedicated of fans have to know they're severely outmatched. They barely scraped out that win after Wemby went down, primarily on the back of an uncharacteristic performance from Scoot Henderson.
In 160 career games played, that was the 2023 third-overall pick's 6th 30-point outing. He missed the first half of the season and finished it shooting 42% from the field and 35% from three. Don't get me wrong, Scoot is a supreme athlete, and he has immense potential, but he hasn't realized it yet, and I don't expect his coming-out party to continue against the Spurs in his first postseason.
To be fair enough to explore the other side of things, stranger things have happened. On the off chance that Henderson turns into prime Kobe Bryant before our eyes, the Silver and Black will have to deal with the possibility of an extended series, but there's too much talent on San Antonio's side to lose to the Trail Blazers.
Wembanyama scored 35 points with relative ease in Game 1. That wasn't going to be the case all series long against Portland's tough crew of defenders, but they weren't necessarily going to plug every hole either. The Alien will find a way to get points on the board, and his teammates will do the same.
The Spurs have proved their ability to adjust and adapt all season. They've earned the benefit of the doubt. They'll get it now. Hopefully, Wembanyama is cleared tomorrow night, and San Antonio can get back to their goal of accomplishing what nobody thought possible at the start of the season: winning a championship.