The San Antonio Spurs endured a disastrous sequence of events during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans, losing three key players—Victor Wembanyama, Zach Collins, and rookie Stephon Castle—to injuries within a span of just 14 minutes. Despite the adversity, the Spurs managed to secure a 121-116 victory. Still, the series of injuries cast a shadow over the win and highlighted the team’s precarious position.
The chaos began just three minutes into the first quarter when Victor Wembanyama, who had just returned from missing two games due to lower back soreness, left the court clutching his back after landing awkwardly while vying for an offensive rebound.
The sight of the 7-foot-3 phenom signaling for a timeout and exiting to the locker room sent shockwaves through the arena. Wembanyama’s absence was short-lived, as he returned in the second quarter to finish the game with an impressive 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks, but his initial exit was a concerning moment for the team.
Shortly after Wembanyama’s departure, Zach Collins suffered a lower back injury with 5:56 left in the first quarter. Collins fell hard while attempting to contest a shot and stayed down on the court for several moments before walking off under his own power. He was later ruled out for the rest of the game. This loss was significant, as Collins has been a steady presence in the Spurs’ frontcourt and provides crucial depth behind Wembanyama.
Adding to the Spurs’ woes, rookie Stephon Castle exited the game in the second quarter following a collision with Pelicans forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. Castle clutched his shoulder as he headed to the locker room but later returned with a protective pad to deliver an inspiring performance. The 20-year-old rookie finished with 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Despite losing key players early in the game, the Spurs found a way to rally. Charles Bassey stepped up in Collins’ absence, matching his career-high with 16 points and adding 11 rebounds and 4 blocks in 18 minutes. His energy and physicality were pivotal in keeping the Spurs competitive. Wembanyama, after his brief stint in the locker room, delivered a crucial three-pointer in the final minute to break a five-minute scoring drought and seal the win for San Antonio.
The Pelicans, who were without their top scorers Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, made a late push with a 13-0 run to take a two-point lead in the final minute. However, the Spurs’ collective effort and clutch plays from Wembanyama and Castle ensured victory.
While the Spurs celebrated the much-needed win, the injuries to Collins and Castle, and the scare involving Wembanyama, highlighted the team’s vulnerability. Acting coach Mitch Johnson expressed relief at the upcoming break in the schedule, giving the team time to regroup and recover. As the Spurs await updates on the statuses of Collins and Castle, the team’s depth and resilience will be tested in the challenging weeks ahead.
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