Spurs' Victor Wembanyama said four days between games has helped boost his health.
PORTLAND , Oregon – A four-game break in the grueling NBA schedule has been a boon for Victor Wembanyama 's health. 'The time off has been really beneficial,' the Spurs franchise player said after practice Wednesday.
Due to the NBA Cup competition, the Spurs do not play again until Friday night at Portland after playing last on Sunday. Wednesday marked the Spurs' second practice day in a row, which Wembanayama said he also benefited from because he 'could keep being hit and practicing and lifting while it's all controlled.' 'I feel better, but I will feel worse tomorrow,' he said with a grin. READ MORE: How Mitch Johnson became more than just a stand-in for Gregg Popovich Wembanyama returned to the court Sunday against New Orleans at the Frost Bank Center after missing two consecutive games with a sore lower back. A fall forced him to leave the game in the first quarter for treatment, but he returned in the second period to finish with 25 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in 26 minutes of the 125-116 win. Wembanyama said this season marks the first time in his career he has experienced back pain. 'It's not like a big deal, but sometimes it stops me from doing certain things,' he said. The time off also came at a good time for two other players. Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson suffered their injuries in the first half against New Orleans and were ruled out for the rest of the game. The Spurs have been without Tre Jones since he injured his left shoulder sprain against Sacramento Dec. 1. Castle's durability impresses teammates In addition to receiving high marks for his maturity, Spurs rookie Stephon Castle is earning respect from his older teammates for his grit. “Steph is an extremely tough kid,' Harrison Barnes said. Barnes' comment came after the 20-year-old guard shook off a left shoulder injury suffered in the second period against New Orleans to continue playing. The injury forced him to go to the locker room, but he returned before halftime to finish the game with 22 points, five rebounds and four assists after scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter. 'He just shook it off and kept going,' Barnes said. 'He just always wants to be out there and wants to play. That’s how competitive he is.” Castle, who said he has no history of shoulder injuries, said X-rays showed no structural damage. He left the locker room after being fitted with a pad to protect the shoulder. Despite experiencing soreness, Castle said he's 'been able to shoot and everything' in practice. Castle is one of four players who have not missed a game for the Spurs this season. The others are Barnes, Chris Paul and Julian Champagnie. 'Injuries are probably the worst part of basketball, so I'm doing whatever I can to prevent them,' Castle said. Reunion of former Huskies anticipated Friday's game could mark the second matchup this season between former Connecticut standouts Donovan Clingan and Castle. Clingan returned to practice this week after missing seven games with a left knee sprain. “Unless something happens throughout this week, I feel good about it,” Portland coach Chauncey Billups said of Clingan's possible return. The Spurs drafted Castle fourth overall after he and Clingan helped Connecticut win the 2024 national title, the school's second in a row. The Blazers selected Clingan seventh overall. In 17 games, Clingan is averaging 5.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. Castle is averaging 12.1 points and 3.8 assists. Castle helped the Spurs claim a 118-105 win over Portland in the season's first meeting between the teams on Nov. 7 in San Antonio by scoring 14 points and dishing out six assists in 25 minutes. In 12 minutes, Clingan failed to score but had four rebounds, two assists and one block.
New Orleans NBA Gregg Popovich Wembanyama Blazers Huskies Stephon Castle Victor Wembanyama Mitch Johnson Harrison Barnes Wembanayama Chauncey Billups Donovan Clingan Tre Jones Steph Zach Collins Barnes Keldon Johnson Julian Champagnie Chris Paul PORTLAND Oregon Frost Bank Center Sacramento Connecticut Barnes San Antonio NBA Cup Castle
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