Wemby Discusses Not Playing Final Minutes of Spurs' Loss to Grizzlies in Injury Return

San Antonio Spurs superstar center Victor Wembanyama admitted that it was difficult for him to watch from the sidelines as his team fell 106-105 to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.

In his first game back after missing two contests with a bone bruise in his left knee, Wembanyama scored a game-high 30 points in just 21 minutes off the bench.

Since the Spurs were managing his minutes, Wemby did not see the floor over the final 3:46 of action in the fourth quarter, and he told reporters how it felt to watch rather than contribute in that moment.

"[It was] very hard," Wembanyama said. "I've got to trust the process, got to trust my staff. Basketball, it's a team thing. We have to trust each other but at the same time hold each other accountable."

Spurs-Grizzlies Full Highlights

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When healthy, the 7'4" Wembanyama is in the conversation as the best player in the NBA, and he is the reason why the Spurs are viewed as legitimate contenders in the Western Conference.

However, health has been anything but guaranteed over the past couple of seasons. After playing 71 games as a rookie, Wemby was limited to 46 games last season due largely to deep vein thrombosis.

He has also missed 14 of the Spurs' 36 games this season with calf and knee ailments.

After starting every game he played in over his first two NBA seasons, Wembanyama has come off the bench in seven of his 22 appearances this season as a means of managing his minutes after coming off injuries.

He has still thrived and put up All-Star-caliber numbers, averaging 24.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.8 blocks per contest.

The Grizzlies took advantage of Wembanyama spending a significant amount of time on the bench on Tuesday, though, and they overcame a one-point deficit over the final 3:46 to win the game while Wemby looked on helplessly.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson could have pressed the issue and put Wembanyama back in the game in an attempt to close out the win, but it is clear that the Spurs have a long-term vision.

Even with the loss, San Antonio is second in the Western Conference with a 25-11 record, so keeping Wemby healthy for the stretch run and the playoffs is understandably the top priority.