Wembanyama clears protocol and returns to Spurs lineup for Game 4

That doesn’t automatically mean he’s all the way back to normal, though. Players often need a little time to find their rhythm again, even after they’re cleared to play.

Still, his presence alone changes everything for San Antonio. Around the rim, shots that used to be easy suddenly aren’t. On offense, his size and range open up space that wasn’t there before. And defensively, he covers mistakes that usually turn into points.

The other team feels it right away. Shot selection shifts, timing gets thrown off, and possessions late in the clock get a lot tougher when he’s on the floor.

So yes, this is a big boost for the Spurs. Now it’s about how quickly Wembanyama settles in and starts impacting both ends the way he usually does.