Victor Wembanyama suffers bruised rib in Spurs game against 76ers

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was ruled out of Monday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers after suffering a bruised left rib.

The injury occurred when the 22-year-old collided with 76ers forward Paul George near the halfway line during the second quarter.

Despite briefly returning to the bench after initial treatment in the locker room, the Frenchman asked to be substituted again just before half-time.

Post-season award eligibility on the line

Medical staff officially ruled the towering centre out for the remainder of the contest after he failed to emerge with his team-mates for the third quarter.

The early exit leaves the NBA Defensive Player of the Year favourite perilously close to missing the league’s threshold for post-season accolades.

Because he played 15 minutes and 40 seconds, the appearance burns one of two allowed exceptions to the NBA’s strict 20-minute minimum rule.

He must now play at least 20 minutes in one of San Antonio’s final three regular-season fixtures to maintain his eligibility for awards, which also includes a strong push for MVP honours.

A dominant run interrupted

Before departing, the third-year veteran had already amassed an impressive 17 points, five rebounds, and three blocks in highly limited action.

The physical setback halts a spectacular run of form that saw him record at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks in his previous three outings.

That phenomenal streak tied for the second-longest in NBA history, trailing only Shaquille O’Neal’s four-game run in 1999.

Prior to Monday’s tip-off, the transcendent talent was leading the Texas franchise across all major statistical categories, averaging 24.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and an unparalleled 3.1 blocks per game.