Spurs defeat Trail Blazers 120-108 without Wembanyama to take commanding 2-1 series lead

The San Antonio Spurs proved their championship mettle Friday night, overcoming both a significant deficit and the absence of their superstar to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 120-108 at the Moda Center. The victory gives San Antonio a crucial 2-1 series lead heading into Sunday’s Game 4.

Castle and Harper step up in Wembanyama’s absence

Before tipoff, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson delivered concerning news: Victor Wembanyama would not play while continuing to recover from a concussion sustained in Game 2 on Tuesday night. The league’s first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year and MVP finalist, who averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a league-best 3.1 blocks per game this season, watched from the bench as his teammates rallied without him.

Stephon Castle seized the moment with a spectacular 33-point performance, while Dylan Harper contributed 27 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Luke Kornet stepped into Wembanyama’s starting role, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds in a solid effort.

The Trail Blazers, making their first home playoff appearance since 2021, seemed poised to capitalize on Wembanyama’s absence. Portland built a commanding 82-67 lead in the third quarter behind Jrue Holiday‘s 29 points, but couldn’t maintain their advantage when it mattered most.

Dramatic comeback overshadowed by controversial call

San Antonio’s championship experience showed in the crucial moments. The Spurs mounted a devastating 21-5 run to close the third quarter, taking an 88-87 lead into the final period. Castle’s step-back jumper and a pair of free throws extended the lead to 105-95 midway through the fourth quarter, and the Trail Blazers collapsed from there.

The game’s most bizarre moment came in the final seconds of the first half when De’Aaron Fox drove toward the basket and elbowed Deni Avdija in the face, chipping the Blazers star’s tooth. Fox was initially called for an offensive foul and received a technical for his reaction to the call. However, Johnson challenged the foul call successfully, and it was overturned to a blocking foul on Avdija, who had to continue playing with his damaged incisor.

Portland had gone on a 15-2 run in the first half to take a 50-43 lead and held a 65-59 advantage at halftime following Jerami Grant‘s 3-pointer. Despite the strong start and Avdija’s breakout season that helped propel the Blazers to the playoffs, Portland couldn’t sustain their momentum against San Antonio’s veteran composure.

Johnson would not elaborate on Wembanyama’s condition beyond saying he was progressing, leaving his status for Sunday’s pivotal Game 4 uncertain. The Spurs have proven they can win without their franchise player, but getting him back would significantly boost their chances of closing out the series at home.