Full Breakdown
Spurs vs. Trail Blazers: Concussion, Comebacks, and a 3-1 Lead
4/28/2026, 12:47:28 AM
Series Overview
Victor Wembanyama set a franchise playoff debut record with 35 points in Game 1. Portland won Game 2 106-103, during which Wembanyama suffered a concussion. San Antonio rallied to win Game 3 120-108 and took a 3-1 series lead after Game 4.
Concussion Protocol and Official Updates
After the concussion, the NBA protocol required neurological tests and cardio work. Coach Mitch Johnson said Wembanyama “is progressing” but gave no timeline (source 1). He was listed unavailable for Game 3 (source 17) and “questionable” for Game 4 (source 18). The Spurs announced he cleared the protocol and was cleared to start Game 4 (source 12).
Key Performers
Rookie Dylan Harper posted 27 points and 10 rebounds, the youngest playoff double-double off the bench (source 4). Stephon Castle added 33 points and five assists, a record for a 21-year-old with 30+ points and 5+ assists (source 3). De’Aaron Fox contributed 18 points, six assists and the Spurs shot 13-for-19 (source 2).
Game 3 Turnaround
Portland led 82-67, but San Antonio responded with an 18-3 run, driven by Harper’s 22 second-half points and Castle’s 33-point night (source 3). The duo joined Durant and Westbrook as the only teammates 21 or younger to each score 25+ points in a playoff game (source 3). The comeback secured a 120-108 win and a 2-1 series lead.
Wembanyama’s Return and Impact
Cleared for Game 4, Wembanyama posted 27 points, 11 rebounds, seven blocks and three assists in a 114-93 win that gave San Antonio a 3-1 series lead (source 13). His plus-minus of +28 was the highest in the game (source 14). The Spurs outscored Portland 73-35 after halftime, highlighting his interior impact alongside the backcourt.
Criticism of Concussion Protocol
Wembanyama called the concussion protocol handling “very disappointing,” saying it distracted the team (source 13). Some analysts called the injury a “blessing” for Spurs depth (source 7).
Verbatim Quotes
- “but he kind of put in my head that you've got to impact the game in any way you can.” — Dylan Harper, Spurs guard (source 3)
- “Super talented, played a downhill game,” — Stephon Castle, Spurs guard (source 4)
- “But the way the situation was handled was very disappointing – not on the Spurs, again.” — Victor Wembanyama, Spurs forward (source 13)
- “This loss hurts, but we've got another one Sunday, so you can't really hang your hat on it too low,” — Jrue Holiday, Trail Blazers guard (source 11)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Pre-Game reports listed Wembanyama as “questionable” (source 18) and noted limited minutes (source 1). Post-Game accounts confirmed he started and logged nearly 17 minutes (source 13). The precise minute allocation for Game 4 remains unspecified.
What’s Next
Game 5 will test whether the Spurs can sustain momentum with Wembanyama fully reintegrated, while Portland must rely on Deni Avdija and Jrue Holiday to close the series gap.
