Just days after falling short in the NBA Cup championship, the San Antonio Spurs made a strategic move on Thursday night - one that prioritized the long-term health of their franchise cornerstone, Victor Wembanyama, over short-term results.
Wemby, who’s recently returned from injury, didn’t start and played just 17 minutes in the first game of a back-to-back set. The decision wasn’t about performance or matchups - it was all about precaution.
Before tip-off, Spurs assistant coach Mitch Johnson made it clear: the plan was to limit Wembanyama’s minutes with an eye toward Friday’s game in Atlanta. That meant no first-quarter action, and a carefully managed workload throughout the night.
It’s a move that makes sense when you zoom out. Wembanyama isn’t just another rookie or rising star - he’s the centerpiece of San Antonio’s rebuild, a generational talent whose development and durability are central to the franchise’s future. Managing his minutes, especially after an injury and amid a packed schedule, is just smart basketball.
Sure, it might have been frustrating for fans hoping to see Wemby light it up, or for fantasy players and bettors banking on a big night. But the Spurs aren’t playing that game. They’re playing the long one - and that means protecting their 7-foot-4 phenom from unnecessary wear and tear.
This wasn’t about load management for the sake of it. It was about making sure Wembanyama is ready to go when it matters most - not just tomorrow night in Atlanta, but for the seasons ahead, when San Antonio hopes to be back in the thick of the playoff race with Wemby leading the charge.
For now, the Spurs are taking the cautious route. And given what’s at stake with Wembanyama’s future, it’s hard to argue with that approach.