Full Breakdown
Spurs Rally Past Trail Blazers in Game 3, Take 2-1 Series Lead
4/26/2026, 12:51:08 AM
Game 3 Turnaround: Spurs Overcome 15-Point Deficit
San Antonio defeated Portland 120-108 in Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round series on April 24, 2026, at the Moda Center. The Blazers led 82-67 midway through the third quarter, but a 21-5 run sparked a comeback that gave the Spurs a one-point lead and ultimately a 12-point victory.
Series Context: Wembanyama’s Concussion
The matchup is the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs. Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ Defensive Player of the Year and MVP finalist, missed Game 3 after a concussion in Game 2. Coach Mitch Johnson confirmed he remains in the league’s concussion protocol and is not cleared to play.
Rising Backcourt Duo: Castle and Harper
Guard Stephon Castle posted a game-high 33 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three and 10-of-11 free throws, and added five assists. Rookie Dylan Harper contributed 27 points, 22 in the second half, and grabbed 10 rebounds, becoming the second-youngest player to score 20+ off the bench in a playoff game.
Statistical Snapshot
San Antonio shot roughly 50 % from the field and 75 % from three on Castle’s attempts; a separate report lists the Spurs at 55.6 % overall, indicating a minor statistical variance. The team out-scored Portland 61-43 after halftime and matched the Blazers 50/50 on rebounding. Luke Kornet added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Carter Bryant posted a plus-17 rating in 23 minutes. Castle and Harper combined for 60 of the Spurs’ points.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Mitch Johnson said Wembanyama “is doing well and progressing” within the concussion protocol and declined to project his return. Castle noted the team “made an emphasis on defense and rebounding” after a slow first half and that the adjustments “fixed it by not allowing them to get offensive rebounds.” The Spurs highlighted confidence in their depth and the effectiveness of the small-lineup strategy.
Criticism & Opposition
Portland acting coach Tiago Splitter argued the Spurs were “more physical” in the second half and that the Blazers “weren’t as involved.” Backup center Robert Williams III expressed frustration, saying the loss “ticks you off” and noting the team felt they “had the game” despite missing Wembanyama.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the Spurs’ overall shooting: one lists 50 % overall, another cites 55.6 % from the floor.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Obviously, there’s a lot that goes into that, but he’s doing well and progressing,” — Mitch Johnson, Spurs coach
- “I think our defense and our rebounding,” — Stephon Castle, Spurs guard
- “We weren’t as involved,” — Tiago Splitter, Portland acting coach
- “Losses like this (tick) you off …” — Robert Williams III, backup center, Portland
What’s Next
Game 4 is set for Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Central Time in Portland. The Spurs will look to extend their series lead; the Blazers will aim to rebound without Wembanyama.
