Mitch Johnson Sends Strong Message on Victor Wembanyama After Spurs' Win

The San Antonio Spurs achieved a historic win in Game 3 of their NBA Playoffs series against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, thanks to the return of NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama, to the lineup.

After clearing concussion protocol to return for Game 4, Wemby recorded 27 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four steals, and seven blocks in 34 minutes of action. San Antonio trailed 58-41 at halftime and exerted their dominance in the second half, ultimately winning the game, 114-93.

The Spurs’ former No. 1 pick suffered a concussion in Game 2 of the series after slipping during a driving layup and hitting his head on the hardwood. That led to the Trail Blazers picking up a win to tie the series without Wemby to contend with, before the Spurs stepped up to win Game 4 without their superstar.

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Game 5 saw the MVP contender return, helping his squad win an essential road game in Portland. Following the victory, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson was asked if he was worried when he saw Wemby hit the ground in the latest game, realizing he was sustaining another head injury, which could put him out for a long stretch of time.

"I didn't, to be honest. I've learned to trust that young man, and I'm rolling with him. I think the challenge now is for him to continue to play the way he did in the second half for the whole game," Johnson said at the postgame press conference.

“When he does that, we’ll be tough, but if he doesn’t do that, there’s a ripple effect with our team, and that’s the responsibility that comes with being the face of the franchise and the best player,” he told reporters.

The Spurs announced that Wembanyama had cleared concussion protocol about an hour before the game started in Portland.

"Just really happy for him to be out there with his teammates and being able to compete," Johnson said regarding Wemby's return.

He said he felt the Spurs' big man "looked great" during the game and knew he'd be "chomping at the bit" to go after missing some time. That included a highlight dunk with under 10 minutes remaining in the first half that drew gasps from the spectators.

Had Wembanyama been unable to play, it could’ve meant a totally different outcome, and potentially given the Trail Blazers a shot at tying the series 2-2. However, his return was massive for the Spurs, who are now back in control of the series.

San Antonio now returns home with Wemby back in the lineup and a chance to finish their first-round series. Game 5 arrives on Tuesday night at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN.

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This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 7:43 PM.