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Wembanyama's Return Imminent as Spurs Face Hornets

3/15/2026

33 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs missed the Spurs' 136-131 loss to the Denver Nuggets due to right ankle soreness.
Coach Mitch Johnson expressed optimism about Wembanyama's return, saying he was close to playing.
Wembanyama has averaged 24.2 points and 11.1 rebounds per game this season.
The Spurs, second in the Western Conference at 48-18, aim to bounce back against the Hornets, who have a two-game winning streak.

History

Historical Context

The NBA introduced the Draft Lottery in 1985 to prevent teams from intentionally losing games for better draft positions. The New York Knicks won the inaugural lottery, selecting Patrick Ewing first overall. This shift in recruitment strategies influenced franchises like the San Antonio Spurs, emphasizing player health and performance metrics, which continue to shape team dynamics and championship pursuits today.

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Story summary

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs missed the Spurs' 136-131 loss to the Denver Nuggets due to right ankle soreness.
Coach Mitch Johnson expressed optimism about Wembanyama's return, saying he was close to playing.
Wembanyama has averaged 24.2 points and 11.1 rebounds per game this season.
The Spurs, second in the Western Conference at 48-18, aim to bounce back against the Hornets, who have a two-game winning streak.

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