Spurs Advance! 2026 Playoffs Recap: Huge Comeback & Wemby’s Epic Return
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
The drought is over. For the first time since 2017, the San Antonio Spurs are heading to the Western Conference Semifinals after dismantling the Portland Trail Blazers in five games. It wasn't just a series win; it was a statement. From historic rookie performances to gritty veteran leadership, this series had everything a 210 fan could ask for.
Series Breakdown: Spurs in 5
Game | Score | Result | Key Note |
Game 1 | 111-98 | W | Spurs set the tone early at home. |
Game 2 | 103-106 | L | Wembanyama injury; Blazers take advantage. |
Game 3 | 120-108 | W | Castle and Harper make history in Portland. |
Game 4 | 114-93 | W | Wemby returns; Spurs dominate the second half. |
Game 5 | 114-95 | W | Clinched at the Frost Bank Center. |
Game-by-Game Highlights
Game 2: The Injury Scare
The series took a dark turn in Game 2 when Victor Wembanyama went down early after a dunk attempt, landing hard on his face. He was placed in concussion protocol and sidelined for the remainder of the game and Game 3. Without their anchor, the Spurs struggled, shooting a dismal 7-of-25 from beyond the arc and eventually falling by three points. Scoot Henderson led the Blazers with 31 points in the upset.
Game 3: The Young Core Steps Up
With Wembanyama out, many expected the Spurs to fold in Portland. Instead, the "Slash Bros" grew up. Down by as many as 15 points in the third quarter, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper sparked a massive comeback.
Stephon Castle: Dropped 33 points and 5 assists.
Dylan Harper: Historic night off the bench with 27 points and 10 rebounds.
Harper became the youngest reserve in NBA history to score 25+ points in a playoff game.
Game 4: The Returning King
Wembanyama’s return in Game 4 provided an immediate boost, but the true story was the second-half explosion. After a slow start that saw them trailing by 19, the Spurs unleashed a 12-0 run in the third quarter and outscored Portland 75-34 across the final two frames. De'Aaron Fox was the engine, finishing with a team-high 28 points.
Game 5: The Clincher
Back in the 210, the Spurs closed it out with authority. Julian Champagnie caught fire early, finishing with 19 points and hitting 5-of-7 from downtown. Wembanyama anchored the defense with a monster double-double: 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks. The bench remained a factor, with Harper chipping in 17 to help secure the 114-95 win.
Star Performers
Victor Wembanyama: Averaged a double-double and dominated the paint even after the concussion scare.
De'Aaron Fox: Proved his veteran worth, leading the team in scoring across multiple wins and managing the pace.
Dylan Harper & Stephon Castle: The future is now. Their Game 3 performance without Wemby was the turning point of the series.
Julian Champagnie: A true "3-and-D" weapon, especially in the Game 5 clincher.
What’s Next?
The Spurs await the winner of the Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves series. Minnesota currently holds a 3-2 lead, but with injuries to stars like Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, that series is far from over.
Whoever it is, the Spurs have shown they can win with or without their superstar. Go Spurs Go!
Comments