Wembanyama’s DPOY Grip Tightens Despite Latest Knee Scare in Thriller vs. Knicks
SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 3 — For a few terrified minutes on Wednesday night, the entire NBA held its breath. Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs’ alien centerpiece and the runaway favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, was on the floor clutching his knee.
Just a week after storming back from a lingering calf injury to reclaim his throne atop the defensive ladder, the 7-foot-4 phenom faced another durability test. While the Spurs held on for a chaotic 134-132 victory over the New York Knicks, the real win came later: imaging confirmed no structural damage, preserving a season that is rapidly becoming a race against the record books.
A Dominant Return, Interrupted
Before his exit in the fourth quarter, Wembanyama was in the midst of a masterpiece. In just 24 minutes, he tallied 31 points and 13 rebounds, anchoring a defense that looked pedestrian whenever he sat. His impact since returning from his previous calf strain has been nothing short of stabilizing; he immediately vaulted back to the No. 1 spot in the DPOY rankings, bridging the gap between December and January with the kind of rim protection that makes offenses rethink their entire game plan.
The injury occurred with the Spurs trailing 102-96. Wembanyama leaped for a rebound over Karl-Anthony Towns and landed awkwardly, hyperextending his left knee. He limped to the locker room unassisted—a sight that likely saved the Spurs’ front office from collective cardiac arrest—and was reportedly in good spirits post-game.
The ’65-Game’ Shadow
Why does a minor hyperextension matter so much? Because Wembanyama is fighting two opponents: opposing offenses and the CBA.
Having already missed a chunk of the season due to that calf strain, Wembanyama has little margin for error regarding the NBA’s 65-game eligibility rule for end-of-season awards. If he misses extended time, the Defensive Player of the Year trophy—which seemed destined for his mantle—could legally slip away to a runner-up simply by default.
“I’m feeling good, just sore,” Wembanyama told reporters post-game, projecting the confidence of a player who knows he dodged a bullet. “I was this close to coming back into the game. They had to hold me back.”
What’s Next for the Spurs?
While the MRI brought relief, the Spurs are taking no chances. Wembanyama was ruled out for Friday’s contest against the Indiana Pacers to rehabilitate. The strategy is clear: sacrifice a game now to ensure the franchise cornerstone remains available for the long haul.
For now, the DPOY race remains Wembanyama’s to lose. As long as he stays on the floor for enough games to qualify, his defensive metrics—and the sheer “fear factor” he instills in the paint—have effectively settled the debate.
