NBA: San Antonio Spurs Rally Past Portland Without Wembanyama, Take Series Lead (120-108) [2-1]

PORTLAND. San Antonio Spurs took a crucial step in the NBA playoffs with a 120-108 victory over Portland Trail Blazers despite the absence of Victor Wembanyama. Stephon Castle led the way with 33 points as the Texans take a 2-1 series lead in the first round of the Western Conference.

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Before the game, head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed that Wembanyama would not play as he continues to recover from the concussion suffered in the second game. Still, San Antonio Spurs found collective answers on a night of maximum intensity.

Portland Trail Blazers, in their first playoff home game since 2021, started with energy and grew as the minutes passed. A 15-2 run in the first half allowed the home team to build a lead up to 50-43, while a three-pointer by Jerami Grant left it at 65-59 at halftime.

The Oregon squad maintained control after the break and led by as much as 82-67 in the third quarter. With Jrue Holiday making a difference, it seemed Portland would even the series. Holiday finished as the leading scorer for the home team with 29 points.

However, that's when the visiting team's comeback appeared. San Antonio Spurs changed the pace of the game with a devastating 21-5 run to turn the score around and close the third quarter ahead 88-87. Castle took center stage on both ends of the floor and began to tilt the game in San Antonio's favor.

In the fourth quarter, a step-back from Castle and two subsequent free throws extended the lead to 105-95 midway through the period. Portland Trail Blazers lost offensive consistency and found no answer to the visiting team's push.

Beyond Castle's 33 points, Dylan Harper recorded a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Luke Kornet, starting in place of Wembanyama, contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds in a very valuable performance for the frontcourt rotation.

San Antonio Spurs thus regains home-court advantage and adds a victory of great importance without their star player. Game 4 of the series will be played this Sunday again at the Moda Center, where Portland Trail Blazers will attempt to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole.