NBA: Victor Wembanyama Returns in Dominant Fashion as Spurs Crush Blazers 114-93 for 3-1 Series Lead

PORTLAND. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-93 in the NBA playoffs, taking a 3-1 series lead in the first round, in a game marked by Victor Wembanyama's return from concussion protocol with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 blocks.

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San Antonio's victory came after a dominant second-half comeback. The Texas team trailed by 17 points at halftime but responded with a commanding second half to put the Portland Trail Blazers on the ropes in these NBA playoffs. De'Aaron Fox accompanied Wembanyama with 28 points in another decisive game.

The opening clearly favored the Portland Trail Blazers, who found offensive rhythm and punished from beyond the arc. An 18-3 run allowed the home team to open up a lead with plays from Robert Williams III, consecutive three-pointers from Jerami Grant and Scoot Henderson, plus the accuracy of Deni Avdija. The Oregon squad led by as much as 19 points and closed the first half with a 58-41 advantage.

However, the San Antonio Spurs completely changed the script after halftime. A 13-0 run right out of the break cut the deficit to 58-54, taking advantage of Portland's offensive stagnation. Devin Vassell tied the game with a jump shot and shortly after put the visitors ahead, igniting the Texas comeback.

With the game tied at the start of the fourth quarter, Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox's talent took over. Two consecutive three-pointers from Fox and Keldon Johnson made it 90-77 with 7:14 remaining, definitively breaking open the contest. Later, a dunk from Johnson put it at 101-81 with 4:31 to play, essentially sealing it for the surging Spurs.

Victor Wembanyama, returning after missing Game 3 due to concussion protocol, showed total impact on both ends of the floor with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 blocks. De'Aaron Fox added 28 points, while Deni Avdija led the Portland Trail Blazers with 26 points.

The game also featured tension down the stretch when Avdija and Stephon Castle got into a confrontation with 2:13 remaining, both receiving offsetting technical fouls.

The San Antonio Spurs will now return home for Game 5 with a 3-1 series lead and the chance to close out the series against a Portland Trail Blazers team that must respond to stay alive in these NBA playoffs.