Full Breakdown
Victor Wembanyama Returns as Spurs Overcome Portland to Take 3-1 Series Lead
4/27/2026, 8:07:35 AM
Game Overview and Key Statistics
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-93 at the Moda Center, extending their first-round playoff lead to 3-1. Victor Wembanyama posted 27 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocks in his first game after clearing the NBA concussion protocol. De’Aaron Fox added 28 points, while Keldon Johnson contributed a decisive dunk in the fourth quarter. Portland’s Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 26 points.
Spurs’ Second-Half Surge
Trailing by 17 points at halftime (Portland 58, San Antonio 41), the Spurs opened the third quarter with a 13-0 run that cut the deficit to 58-54. A back-to-back three-pointer pair from Fox and Johnson pushed the lead to 90-77 with 7:14 remaining. Devin Vassell’s jumper at 4:38 tied the game at 62, and his subsequent basket gave San Antonio its first lead. Johnson’s dunk at 4:31 sealed the victory.
Victor Wembanyama’s Return and Remarks
Wembanyama, listed as questionable after sustaining a concussion in the first half of the Spurs’ 106-103 loss on Tuesday, was cleared an hour before tip-off. He praised the Spurs’ medical staff for their care but described the overall handling of his return as “very disappointing.” He emphasized that the comeback demonstrated the team’s collective resilience and energy.
Portland’s Early Dominance and Collapse
Portland built an 18-3 run to lead 45-28 early in the first half, extending the margin to 19 points (58-41) at the break. Robert Williams III’s dunk preceded three-point bursts from Jerami Grant and Scoot Henderson. Stephon Castle, who scored 33 points in Game 3, appeared to injure his left hand in the first half but returned. The Blazers’ offense cooled in the second half, contributing to the Spurs’ rally.
Technical Incident and Reactions
With 2:13 left, Avdija and Castle exchanged shoves, resulting in offsetting technical fouls. Avdija later stated, “You can be tough… but there’s a level of disrespect that I’m not gonna accept.”
Official Statements & Responses
The Spurs announced Wembanyama’s clearance from the concussion protocol shortly before the game. Wembanyama acknowledged the medical staff’s treatment as satisfactory while expressing disappointment with the return process. Avdija’s comment on the technical incident served as the Trail Blazers’ public response to the altercation.
Criticism & Opposition
Wembanyama’s criticism focused on the procedural handling of his concussion recovery, suggesting a need for clearer protocols. Avdija’s remarks highlighted perceived disrespect from an opponent, underscoring tension between the teams.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need to find the answers before having our back against the wall,” — Victor Wembanyama, Spurs forward
- “But that also shows the strength of our team in adversity. We stick together. We get closer to each other, we feed off of each other's energy.” — Victor Wembanyama, Spurs forward
- “You can be tough, you can be, you know, physical, but there’s a level of disrespect that I’m not gonna accept,” — Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers forward
- “We thrive when we do the invisible efforts that benefit others. There’s no jealousy. There’s nobody who cares about their stat line. So it’s our greatest strength.” — Victor Wembanyama, Spurs forward
Why It Matters / Impact
The victory shifts momentum toward San Antonio, placing the Spurs one win away from advancing while testing Wembanyama’s health and the league’s concussion protocols. Portland’s inability to sustain its early lead raises questions about adjustments for the remainder of the series.
What’s Next
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday night in San Antonio. The Spurs will aim to close the series at home, while the Trail Blazers must win to avoid a decisive Game 6.
