Full Breakdown
Spurs Overcome 17-Point Deficit to Take 3-1 Lead in 2026 Playoffs
4/28/2026, 9:27:00 AM
Spurs Overcome 17-Point Deficit to Take 3-1 Lead
On April 26, 2026, the San Antonio Spurs erased a 58-41 halftime hole to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 114-93 at the Moda Center. A 73-35 second-half surge turned a tied game into a 21-point win, giving San Antonio a 3-1 series advantage.
Context: Wembanyama’s Return and Series Status
Victor Wembanyama missed Game 3 after a concussion in Game 2 and completed the league’s protocol before Game 4. The Spurs entered the contest with a 2-1 series lead; a win would put them one victory from advancing past the first round for the first time since 2017.
Standout Performances
Victor Wembanyama posted 27 points, 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals. De’Aaron Fox led with 28 points on 11-of-17 shooting, six rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. Keldon Johnson added nine points and a dunk; Devin Vassell had 11. Portland’s Deni Avdija scored 26.
Game Numbers
Spurs shot 48.3% overall and 33.3% from three in the second half; Portland hit 32% from three and 10-of-31 overall after halftime. San Antonio forced 18 turnovers to Portland’s 13 and out-rebounded 52-38 in the second half. Fox added 11 points, including four threes, in the fourth quarter.
Significance
The win gave the Spurs their first series victory since 2017 and put them one win from a second-round berth. A 3-1 lead forces Portland into a must-win scenario, while San Antonio prepares to close the series at home and face the Minnesota Timberwolves or Denver Nuggets.
Official Statements
Victor Wembanyama said the comeback showed collective resilience and “invisible efforts” that help the team. De’Aaron Fox said he takes any open three and attacks the paint when space is limited. Coach Mitch Johnson called Fox’s performance his best as a Spur, citing balanced scoring and playmaking.
Criticism
Fox had faced criticism after Games 2 and 3 for perceived inconsistency and doubts about his fit following a high-profile trade. Wembanyama publicly described the handling of his concussion return as “very disappointing,” raising questions about the league’s health protocols and the Spurs’ integration of new players.
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 center
- “If they don’t, you try to get to the paint, and if there’s no help, you finish.” — De’Aaron Fox, Spurs guard
- “I thought this was his best game as a Spur,” — Mitch Johnson, Spurs head coach
What's Next
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at the AT&T Center. The Spurs aim to close the series at home, while the Trail Blazers must win to force a decisive Game 6.
