Victor Wembanyama finishes with 31 points and 13 rebounds before suffering a left knee hyperextension in a win vs. the Knicks.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama left Wednesday night’s rematch with the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter after suffering an apparent left leg injury, but returned to the bench in time to see the Spurs win 134-132.
Wembanyama took to the court after the game to gleefully lead the newest Spurs tradition that he created — having the crowd clap their hands after each bang of the drum by the 7-foot-4 center, who finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds in 24 minutes.
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.
It was a welcome sight for the Spurs after some tense minutes.
ESPN reporter Michael C. Wright reported that Wembanyama suffered a hyperextension to his knee, and he quoted the center as saying that he felt sore but confident.
Wembanyama is expected to undergo further testing on Thursday.
Wembanyama said that it's a hyperextension, but said he feels a little sore but still "confident." He said they'll do more testing on it tomorrow. Also said that he told the fans "I'll be alright." He just now said, "I expect to be back the next game."
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) January 1, 2026
ESPN reporter Shams Charania reported that Wembanyama has undergone tests and that the initial returns show no major injury.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama suffered a slight hyperextension in his left knee in tonight's win over New York — and initial tests came back negative and showed no major injury.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 1, 2026
Wembanyama leaped to gather an offensive rebound over Knicks center 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.
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.
San Antonio trainers, doctors and general manager Brian Wright followed Wembanyama to the locker room.
The Knicks had beat the Spurs 124-113 on Dec. 16 to win the Emirates NBA Cup.
