By Matija Šerić
The clash between the San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers delivered everything that defines NBA playoff basketball – attractive play, deadly three-point shooting, momentum swings, uncertainty, and the kind of thriller only the world’s best basketball league can offer. The Spurs won the quarterfinal series 4–1. While the result itself may not be surprising, the key lies in the conclusions we can draw.
If it wasn’t clear to some before – now even the most skeptical basketball observers should recognize the undeniable truth: after 12 years without a title, San Antonio, led by the one-of-a-kind Victor Wembanyama, is once again among the top contenders for the NBA championship. It is true that the Spurs are a young team without prior playoff experience, but that has not held them back. Through the analysis of five playoff games, the team’s power becomes crystal clear.
Game 1 – Wemby turns his dream into reality
San Antonio controlled the opening game from start to finish, winning 111–98. It was their first playoff victory after a seven-year absence. Their largest lead reached 21 points, and the win was never in doubt. It was immediately evident that Wembanyama was on a mission. In his first NBA playoff game, he scored 35 points (5–6 from three!) along with five rebounds and two blocks. He dropped 21 points in the first half alone, setting a new NBA record for most points in a debut playoff first half.
Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points each and combined for 15 assists, while Devin Vassell scored 15.
On the other side, Deni Avdija impressed with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, but lacked sufficient support. Only Scoot Henderson (18 points) provided notable help, while Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant underperformed.
Game 2 – Blazers strike back
Portland claimed their only win of the series, 106–103. The turning point came when Wembanyama suffered a scary fall and concussion in the second quarter. Thankfully, he avoided serious injury.
Henderson led the way with 31 points, supported by Avdija (14) and Holiday (16). Improved shooting percentages played a crucial role. Still, the Spurs nearly won despite Wemby’s absence. They led by 14 entering the fourth quarter but collapsed offensively, failing to score in the final 3:37 while Portland closed the game on an 11–2 run.
Game 3 – A surgical Spurs comeback
Without Wembanyama, and with the series shifting to Portland, many expected the Blazers to take control. Instead, San Antonio delivered a stunning 120–108 victory.
Down 80–65 late in the third quarter, the Spurs looked lost. However, head coach Mitch Johnson orchestrated a remarkable turnaround with a 21–5 run.
Castle led with 33 points, while rookie Dylan Harper added 27 points and 10 rebounds. Their composure and resilience stood out as defining traits.
Game 4 – Fox proves his value
Wembanyama returned with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and seven blocks in a 114–93 win. Fox added 28 points, showcasing elite playmaking and scoring ability.
Despite trailing by 17 at halftime, the Spurs dominated the fourth quarter 40–19. Keldon Johnson provided a spark off the bench, while Portland ran out of energy. Notably, the Spurs became the first team in NBA playoff history to trail by 15+ at halftime and win by 15+.
Game 5 – A dominant closeout
Back at the Frost Bank Center, San Antonio sealed the series with a commanding 114–95 win. At one point, their lead reached 28 points.
Wembanyama posted 17 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks, while Fox scored 21. Julian Champagnie added 19 (5–7 from three), and Harper contributed 17.
The pick-and-roll between Fox and Wembanyama proved to be a reliable offensive weapon, while Portland struggled with efficiency despite forcing turnovers.
Spurs are title contenders
For the Blazers, the season ends with a need for restructuring. However, their playoff return after four years offers a solid foundation.
Meanwhile, as the second seed in the Western Conference, the Spurs now face the Minnesota Timberwolves, who eliminated Denver Nuggets led by Nikola Jokić.
This matchup promises a true basketball spectacle. The Spurs may be favorites, but Minnesota’s experience could pose a serious challenge. The coming days will reveal whether San Antonio’s rise continues – or meets its toughest test yet.
