Durant 'devastated' at Wembanyama season-ending injury news
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Phoenix Suns in the absence of Victor Wembanyama, who is unlikely to feature again this season.
Kevin Durant is "devastated" for Victor Wembanyama after confirmation the San Antonio Spurs star is expected to miss the rest of the season.
The Spurs announced on Thursday that Wembanyama had been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
The condition, which is a form of blood clot, was discovered after Wembanyama returned to San Antonio after the NBA All-Star Game.
San Antonio won in Wembanyama's absence, beating the Phoenix Suns 120-109 later on Thursday to go 26-29 for the season.
Durant scored 22 points for the Suns and was asked about his fellow All-Star after the game.
"I was devastated for him," Durant told reporters. "He loves being out on the floor, and a setback like this can really do something to you mentally.
"I know he's strong and has a strong support system. I look forward to seeing him out there next season. He'll come back with a vengeance."
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 20, 2025
Wembanyama was the NBA's number one draft pick in 2023 and could potentially return in time for the NBA play-offs.
However, the Spurs are currently 11th in the Western Conference and are unlikely to qualify.
San Antonio are confident there will be no long-term impact to Wembanyama's game.
Spurs acting head coach Mitch Johnson said: "The medical experts and the people that are smarter than everybody in the room have said and confirm that he'll be done this year and there is no concern for Victor's long-term health, personally, or anything related to his basketball activities.
"There is no reason to believe he won't be ready to go starting next season."
Wembanyama has averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.8 blocks in 46 games this season, making him the first player in 25 years to average at least 24 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks while playing 40 or more games in a season.
But the 21-year-old will now be ineligible for any post-season awards, as he will not meet the league's minimum of 65 games played for consideration.