Victor Wembanyama marked his return to playoff action with authority, powering the San Antonio Spurs to a stunning 114-93 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday.
After missing Game 3 due to a concussion, Wembanyama delivered a dominant all-around performance, finishing with 27 points, 11 rebounds, seven blocks, four steals and three assists. Cleared shortly before the game, the 22-year-old immediately made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, particularly in the paint where Portland struggled to find answers.
San Antonio’s victory was historic. Trailing 58-41 at halftime, the Spurs engineered a remarkable turnaround, becoming the first team in NBA playoff history to come back from a deficit of 15 or more at the break and win by at least 15 points. The result also gives the Spurs a commanding 3-1 series lead, putting them one win away from their first playoff series victory since 2017.
Wembanyama’s impact was most visible in the second half, where his offensive surge included five dunks — four coming from lob passes — as the Spurs rediscovered their rhythm. Defensively, he anchored the paint, limiting Portland’s big men. Donovan Clingan struggled to a 2-for-10 shooting night, while Robert Williams III was held in check compared to his earlier performances in the series.
The comeback effort was not a solo act. De’Aaron Fox delivered his best outing of the series, scoring 28 points on efficient shooting while adding seven assists and six rebounds. His fourth-quarter burst proved decisive, as he orchestrated the offense and capitalized on Portland’s defensive lapses.
Devin Vassell contributed 11 points, while Keldon Johnson provided a highlight dunk that capped a massive 37-point swing in under 20 minutes of play. The Spurs’ defensive intensity also surged after halftime, holding Portland to just 33.3% shooting in the second half.
Speaking after the game, Wembanyama emphasized the team’s unity during adversity, highlighting their unselfish approach and collective energy as key factors in the turnaround.
For Portland, Jrue Holiday stood out once again with 20 points, along with six rebounds and four assists. While the loss puts the Trail Blazers on the brink of elimination, Holiday’s consistent performances and leadership have remained a bright spot throughout the series.
With Game 5 set for Tuesday in San Antonio, the Spurs now have a chance to close out the series on home court and complete a remarkable playoff resurgence led by their young core.
