Victor Wembanyama injured, Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards and Jalen Williams injured: the fitness level of the star players will probably also be in these N.B.A-Playoffs play a crucial role.
Victor Wembanyama was once again a decisive factor in San Antonio’s 114:93 victory against Portland in the first round of the NBA playoffs: The 2.24 meter star of the Spurs In the end he had 27 points and 12 rebounds in the box score. In addition, there was an incredible number of 7 blocks, i.e. defensive actions in which he directly prevented the opponent from finishing at the basket, and 4 steals. Numbers that once again demonstrated the versatility of the Frenchman, who not only cleans up under the baskets, but can also score from a distance and can change a game with his presence, especially on defense.
The Frenchman was therefore unanimously voted “Defensive Player of the Year” was chosen, it was the first time in the history of the award that a player did not receive a single dissenting vote.
Moment of shock, then a sigh of relief after Wembanyama falls
The hype surrounding “Wemby” got a little louder this season because the Spurs, rebuilt around the young star, developed into real title challengers faster than expected. After winning the fourth game, the Spurs are now 3-1 up in the first round series against Portland, which probably means the preliminary decision.
The even more important news for San Antonio was that Wembanyama was able to play again: The 22-year-old fell during an offensive action in game two and hit his head badly on the floor. The official “concussion protocoThe league was suspended due to a suspected concussion. Wembanyama missed game three, only to come back with a fabulous performance.
Not only the Spurs fans must have breathed a sigh of relief, but also numerous neutral observers: The playoff table looks for the final Western Conference a possible clash between San Antonio and the champion Oklahoma City. A match-up that has had many in the NBA on the edge of their seats for weeks. And that would probably only promise half as much splendor if the Spurs had to play without their century-old talent.
NBA playoffs 2025 with Horror injuries by Tatum and Haliburton
The memories of last season are still present in the NBA, when the playoffs were at least decisively influenced by two almost identical horror injuries: Jayson Tatum, leader of the Boston Celticstore his Achilles tendon in the conference semifinals against New York, and defending champion Boston was eliminated.
In the final series, Indiana playmaker Tyrese Haliburton also tore his Achilles tendon in the decisive seventh game against Oklahoma City. With series champion Golden State Warriors and the top seeds Cleveland Cavaliers Two ambitious teams had already said goodbye early after their respective leaders Steph Curry and Donovan Mitchell were injured.
Concern about Anthony Edwards for the Timberwolves
Many observers of the current playoffs were probably reminded of this on Saturday evening Minnesota Timberwolves Two important players limped off the field again: Donte DiVicenzo also suffered a hamstring injury in game four against Denver, the season is for the fast one Guardwhich is of great value to the Timberwolves, especially with its strong defense, has definitely ended.
The loss of leader Anthony Edwards is likely to be even more serious; the all-star and Olympic champion injured his knee. It is still uncertain whether and when he will return. This now also applies to the Timberwolves’ chances in the playoffs: Edwards and his team have taken a 3-1 lead in the series against the favorites from Denver, and they are only missing one win to reach the conference semifinals. With Kevin Durant at Houston and Luka Doncic (Lakers), other top-class players are currently missing from their teams.
Injured Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards
82 games in the season, faster play: concern about the strain on NBA players
The fitness level of the players, or rather the “injury list“, will apparently also be a decisive factor in this year’s playoffs. There have been complaints in the NBA for a long time about the high load and the high number of games. In April, Warriors master coach Steve Kerr had repeatedly called for the number of regular season games to be shortened from 82 to 72, for more sporting quality and, above all, for the health of the players, as Kerr said. The mode with 82 season games has been around in the NBA for half an eternity. However, Kerr pointed out rightly points out that the modern game has become significantly faster and therefore the strain on the players is even greater: with more attack sequences per game and a much more running-intensive defense.
Worry about it too Hartenstein team – “OKC” without Jalen Williams
The top favorites from Oklahoma City with German NBA champion Isaiah Hartenstein are also plagued by injury concerns in the playoffs. “OKC” is heading for a safe win in the series against Phoenix. However, Jalen Williams, an important component of the championship team, left in game three with a thigh injury. The Thunder’s advantage over some other title rivals, however, is the impressive breadth of their squad. If there is a team in the NBA that can compensate for the loss of a key player like Williams, then it should be “OKC”.
