Full Breakdown
Wembanyama's Return Powers Spurs Past Trail Blazers in Game 4
4/27/2026, 11:16:04 AM
Game 4: Spurs Erase 17-Point Halftime Deficit
On Sunday, April 26 2026, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-93 in Portland, overturning a 17-point halftime hole and taking a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven first-round series. It marked the first time an NBA team has trailed by 15 + points at halftime and won by 15 + points.
Background: Concussion and Return
Victor Wembanyama suffered a concussion in the second quarter of Game 2 after colliding with the court. NBA protocol required 48 hours of rest, progressive activity, daily neurological tests, and clearance by both team and league physicians. He was listed as “questionable” before Game 4, but the Spurs confirmed he completed the protocol and was cleared to play.
Key Performers
- Victor Wembanyama: 27 pts, 11 reb, 7 blk, 4 stl; five second-half dunks, 8-of-10 shots in the paint.
- De’Aaron Fox: 28 pts (11-for-17), 6 reb, 7 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk; four 3-pointers and 14 pts in the paint.
- Devin Vassell: 11 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast.
- Keldon Johnson: dunk that capped a 37-point swing.
Portland’s centers Robert Williams III and Donovan Clingan were limited to 2-for-4 and 2-for-10 shooting respectively when Wembanyama returned.
Data & Statistics
- Spurs outscored Trail Blazers 71-76 after halftime.
- Wembanyama’s line: 27-11-7-4; 5 dunks, all in the second half.
- Season averages (64 games): 25.0 pts, 11.5 reb, 3.1 ast, 3.1 blk per game.
- Historical note: first team to overturn a 15-point halftime deficit and win by 15 + points.
Official Statements & Responses
Wembanyama said he entered the game “with excitement and frustration” and felt “great” after the win. He also voiced disappointment with aspects of the NBA’s concussion protocol, noting he would not discuss details until the season’s end. Coach Mitch Johnson praised Fox, calling his performance “the best game as a Spur” and highlighting his defensive consistency. The NBA’s concussion program director, Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, confirmed that the standard clearance steps—symptom-free rest, physician evaluation, exertion process, and final team-physician decision—were followed before Wembanyama’s return.
Criticism & Opposition
Wembanyama’s remarks underscored player concerns about the league’s concussion handling, labeling the process “very disappointing” and suggesting it may not fully address athletes’ emotional and physical recovery needs.
On-the-Ground Report
Portland shot 57.9 % in the second quarter but fell to 33.3 % after halftime, going 2-for-13 in the early third. Spurs’ defensive pressure forced turnovers, and a Vassell basket with 4:05 left in the third gave San Antonio a 64-62 edge that sparked the comeback.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Pre-game coverage listed Wembanyama as “questionable,” reflecting uncertainty about his clearance. Post-game reports confirmed he played, but the exact timing of his medical clearance was not disclosed, leaving a gap in the public record.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In adversity, we stick together, we get closer to each other, we feed off each other (and) feed off each other’s energy,” — Victor Wembanyama, Spurs forward-center
- “Ask me again at the end of the season.” — Victor Wembanyama
- “If I have a 3, if they give me space, you take it,” — De’Aaron Fox, Spurs guard
Why It Matters
The victory puts the Spurs one win from their first playoff series triumph since 2017 and showcases Wembanyama’s impact when healthy. It also spotlights ongoing debate over concussion management in professional basketball.
What’s Next
Game 5 shifts to San Antonio on Tuesday at 9:30 ET. The Spurs will aim to close the series, while the Trail Blazers seek to force a decisive Game 6.
