Full Breakdown
Spurs Erase 15-Point Deficit to Take 2-1 Series Lead Over Trail Blazers
4/26/2026, 6:31:15 AM
Game Summary: Fourth-Quarter Surge Secures 120-108 Victory
San Antonio rallied from a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat Portland 120-108 in Game 3 of the first-round series at the Moda Center. Portland opened a 15-point lead in the third quarter before the Spurs' rally. After four lead changes to open the fourth quarter, the Spurs produced a 19-2 run, followed by a 15-1 spurt that gave them a 108-96 lead with 5:48 remaining. Stephon Castle led all scorers with 33 points, while rookie Dylan Harper added 27 points and 10 rebounds. Jrue Holiday’s late layup cut the margin to nine, but the Spurs held on for the win.
Series Context: First-Round Stakes and Recent Developments
The Western Conference first-round is a best-of-seven series. Portland captured Game 1, while San Antonio took Game 2 despite the loss of Victor Wembanyama, who was sidelined by a concussion sustained in Game 2. The Spurs entered Game 3 without their star, heightening the importance of the victory. The win puts San Antonio ahead as the series shifts to Portland for Game 4.
Key Performers
- Stephon Castle (Spurs) – 33 points (team-high).
- Dylan Harper (Spurs) – 27 points, 10 rebounds.
- De’Aaron Fox (Spurs) – 18 points.
- Luke Kornet (Spurs) – 14 points, 10 rebounds.
- Devin Vassell (Spurs) – 11 points.
- Jrue Holiday (Trail Blazers) – 29 points, five assists, four steals.
- Scoot Henderson (Trail Blazers) – 21 points.
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers) – 19 points, nine assists.
- Jerami Grant (Trail Blazers) – 13 points.
- Robert Williams III (Trail Blazers) – 11 points, 11 rebounds.
- Donovan Clingan (Trail Blazers) – 11 rebounds.
The Spurs’ bench contributed 43 points and 20 rebounds, supporting Castle’s scoring.
Timeline of the Comeback
- Q1: Portland leads 29-27.
- Halftime: Spurs trail by six points.
- Early Q3: Portland up 82-67.
- Mid Q3: Grant’s free throws extend lead to 15 points.
- Late Q3: Harper scores 12 points, Spurs cut deficit to single digits.
- Early Q4: Castle scores seven straight points; Spurs start 19-2 run.
- Mid Q4: Harper’s 10-point burst fuels 15-1 spurt, giving a 108-96 lead at 5:48.
- Final minutes: Holiday’s layup narrows gap to nine; Spurs maintain lead to win.
Data & Statistics
Final score: Spurs 120, Trail Blazers 108. Spurs’ runs: 19-2 early fourth, 15-1 mid-fourth. Top scorers: Castle 33, Harper 27, Holiday 29. Rebounds: Harper 10, Kornet 10, Williams III 11, Clingan 11. Assists: Avdija nine for Portland.
Impact on Series
The comeback gave San Antonio a 2-1 series advantage, shifting momentum despite Victor Wembanyama’s absence. The victory also gave the Spurs a psychological edge after overcoming a sizable deficit without their leading center.
What’s Next
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in Portland.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Both sources provide a consistent account of the game; no discrepancies or missing information were identified.
