Full Breakdown
Spurs Overcome 19-Point Deficit to Take 3-1 Lead Over Trail Blazers
4/27/2026, 8:49:48 PM
Game Overview
On April 26, 2026, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-93 in Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series at the Moda Center. After trailing 58-41 at halftime, San Antonio outscored Portland 73-35 in the second half to seize a 3-1 series lead. Victor Wembanyama, cleared from concussion protocol, contributed 27 points, 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals.
Key Performers & Statistics
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): 27 points (8-10 in paint), 11 rebounds, 7 blocks, 4 steals; his presence forced Portland’s big men to stay deep.
- De’Aaron Fox (Spurs): 28 points on 11-of-17 shooting, 7 assists, 6 rebounds; drove the second-half surge.
- Keldon Johnson (Spurs): 3-point shooting and driving buckets extended the fourth-quarter lead.
- Jrue Holiday (Blazers): 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists.
- Deni Avdija (Blazers): 26 points on 8-14 shooting; struggled against Spurs’ interior defense.
Impact
The win made San Antonio the first NBA playoff team to trail by 15+ points at halftime and win by 15+ points. The 3-1 advantage puts the Spurs one victory from their first series win since 2017 and forces Portland to win three straight to stay alive.
Official Statements & Responses
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said Wembanyama’s return was pivotal and that sustained performance would keep San Antonio competitive. Wembanyama described his emotions as a mix of excitement and frustration and criticized the concussion protocol’s handling by parties outside the Spurs. Blazers coach Tiago Splitter noted his team mentally broke down in the second half.
Criticism & Opposition
Wembanyama publicly called the concussion protocol “very disappointing,” saying the process needed improvement. The game also saw a technical foul exchange after a shoving incident between Stephon Castle and Deni Avdija, underscoring the series’ physical intensity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Pre-game coverage listed Wembanyama as “questionable,” but post-game reports confirmed he had cleared the NBA’s concussion protocol and played. No other substantive discrepancies appear among the sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I lots of emotions in me before the game -- obviously, excitement, frustration -- so I let a lot out tonight.” — Victor Wembanyama, Spurs center
- “I'm very unhappy about the way the protocol has been handled by other parties.” — Victor Wembanyama
- “But as I said, I won't get into the details.” — Victor Wembanyama
- “We mentally (broke) down and couldn't get over that,” — Tiago Splitter, Blazers head coach
- “If he does that, we'll be tough. But if he doesn't do that, there's a ripple effect for our team -- and that's the responsibility that comes with being the face of the franchise as the best player.” — Mitch Johnson, Spurs head coach
What’s Next
Game 5 is set for Tuesday, April 28, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. The Spurs will look to close the series, while the Trail Blazers must win to force a Game 6.
