Wembanyama cleared for Game 4

Victor Wembanyama was cleared from the National Basketball Association’s concussion protocol on Sunday and is set to play in Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers. (sports.yahoo.com) (kens5.com) The 22-year-old Spurs star entered the protocol after sustaining a concussion in Game 2 on April 21, when Portland beat San Antonio 106-103. (nba.com) (espn.com) Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern in Portland, with San Antonio holding a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference first-round series. (nba.com 1) (nba.com 2) San Antonio grabbed that lead Friday without Wembanyama, rallying from 15 points down to beat Portland 120-108 behind 33 points from Stephon Castle and 27 points and 10 rebounds from Dylan Harper. (espn.com) (nba.com) Before Sunday’s clearance, NBA.com said a player returning from a concussion had to be symptom-free, complete exertion steps, and be approved by both a doctor and the league’s concussion program director. (nba.com) Wembanyama changed San Antonio’s season even before the playoffs. The Spurs finished 62-20, and NBA.com listed him as the Kia Defensive Player of the Year and one of three finalists for Kia Most Valuable Player. (nba.com 1) (nba.com 2) He averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks in the regular season, then opened the series with 35 points in a 111-98 Game 1 win. (nba.com) (espn.com) His return gives San Antonio its top scorer and rim protector back for a chance to take a 3-1 lead before the series shifts to Game 5 in Texas on Tuesday, April 28. (nba.com 1) (nba.com 2)