Spurs player twisted his ankle after stumbling on a ball boy and is being rested from matches.

Victor Wembanyama was uncertain for the clash against the Utah Jazz last Tuesday but ended up taking the court. The Spurs’ star had missed the game against Dallas on Saturday after stepping on a ball boy’s foot and injuring his ankle.

After the Christmas round in the NBA, in a game played in San Antonio, the Spurs lost again, this time 130-118, but Wembanyama had a productive night.

Despite rumors that he wouldn’t play due to the injury, the Frenchman played without discomfort for 24 minutes and had 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

After the match, Wembanyama said he was forced to rest by the medical team and talked about the severity of the injury.

Wembanyama in a game against the Utah Jazz — Photo: Ronald Cortes/Getty Images

“It’s a stupid injury. I didn’t play mainly as a precaution. It was more out of fear than it being serious. It’s all right; I don’t blame the guy. Of course, it’s always painful to see the guys playing without you, but we think long term. The first thing the coach told me was that my career is more important than just one game.

So, we have to be smart. We communicate a lot with the medical team. I was clear with them; I trust them if they need to give me rest, but only when I really need it. The medical team forced me to stay out. If it were up to me, I would play every game. I respect their role; they are professionals,” he said.

This is a lob only Victor Wembanyama could finish 🤯pic.twitter.com/zY6Ezo9OWL

— Spurs Nation (@SpursNationCP) December 27, 2023

Despite Wembanyama’s good performance, coach Gregg Popovich revealed that the player will be rested for the next two games against the Trail Blazers. After the game against Dallas, in which Wembanyama also sat out, Popovich explained the reason for the decision:

“I say that, from my experience, he could have played. If it were an NBA playoff game, I’m sure Victor Wembanyama would play. I would use him in that situation. But it’s not a game that requires such a sacrifice. I’m conservative when it comes to injuries. He just had a problem with the same ankle. It’s not good to risk,” commented the Spurs’ coach.

Victor Wembanyama had already faced injury problems during the season. Against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 21, the player felt pain in the same ankle.