April 22 (UPI) -- San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama slammed his face on the floor and sustained a concussion in a playoff loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Wembanyama was hurt about three minutes into the second quarter of the 106-103 setback in Game 2 of the first-round series Tuesday in San Antonio. He did not return.
"I just know he has a concussion and he's in the protocol," Spurs coach Mitch Johnson told reporters. "We'll obviously take the proper and appropriate steps."
The Blazers led 34-32 about nine minutes before halftime when guard De'Aaron Fox drove over half court and into the paint. He then turned back and passed to a trailing Wembanyama. The MVP candidate caught the pass, faked a shot and dribbled into the paint. He then tripped and fell face-first onto the court, losing the ball.
Wembanyama's head bounced on the floor several times during the mishap. He remained on the floor, motionless for several seconds. He then ran back to the locker room.
Johnson said Wembanyama was not being examined for anything other than a concussion.
Wembanyama can resume gradual activity after 48 hours if his symptoms don't get worse. He requires clearance for the Spurs' doctor and league protocol director before he can return to the best-of-seven game series, which is tied 1-1.
Wembanyama totaled five points, four rebounds, a block and an assist in Game 2. Guard Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 18 points. Fox chipped in 17. Blazers guard Scoot Henderson scored a game-high 31 points.
The Spurs outshot the Blazers 44.2% to 42.7%. They also held advantages of 38-26 in points off the bench and 20-14 in points off fast breaks. The Blazers outscored the Spurs 42-38 in the paint. The game featured nine lead changes.
"We've played without Victor this year," Johnson said. "You look at the numbers, in terms of they shot 42.2% from the field, 34% from 3, 23 free throws. That's not bad when you are just talking about a defensive effort. ... I thought the guys actually fought their butts off and did a really good job."
The Spurs were 12-6 without Wembanyama during the regular season. They will take on the Blazers in Game 3 at 10:30 p.m. EDT Friday in Portland.