Victor Wembanyama’s absence due to concussion didn’t stop the San Antonio Spurs from taking a 2-1 series lead over the Portland Trail Blazers, as Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper combined for 60 points in a 120-108 victory.
The Spurs overcame a 15-point deficit in the third quarter, sparked by a 21-5 run that shifted momentum late in the game. Castle delivered a playoff career-high 33 points, becoming the youngest player in franchise history to score 30-plus in a postseason game at 21 years, 171 days. Harper contributed 27 points and 10 rebounds, with 22 of his points coming after halftime.
Coach Mitch Johnson confirmed before tipoff that Wembanyama would not play, adhering to the NBA’s concussion protocol which requires symptom-free rest, physician clearance, exertion testing, and league approval. Wembanyama had suffered the injury in Game 2 when he struck his head on the court with 8:57 left in the second quarter.
Without Wembanyama, the Spurs have averaged nearly 17 fewer points per 100 possessions, according to team tracking. Luke Kornet started in his place, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while veteran depth from Harrison Barnes, Bismack Biyombo, and Kelly Olynyk saw increased usage in smaller lineups.
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Portland’s Jrue Holiday scored 29 points, but the Blazers couldn’t capitalize on Wembanyama’s absence despite leading 82-67 late in the third quarter. Their early success came from a 15-2 run to open the game, building a 50-43 advantage before halftime.
A pivotal moment came just before intermission when De’Aaron Fox was initially called for an offensive foul after contact with Deni Avdija. Johnson’s challenge overturned the call to a defensive foul on Avdija, who played on despite a chipped tooth.
The win gives the Steelers a 2-1 series lead and returns home-court advantage ahead of Game 4 in San Antonio. Portland remains without a home playoff win since 2021, and now faces elimination risk if they fail to win on the road.
What does Wembanyama’s absence indicate for the Spurs’ rotation moving forward?
Without Wembanyama, the Spurs are relying on a combination of Luke Kornet at center and increased minutes for versatile veterans like Harrison Barnes, Bismack Biyombo, and Kelly Olynyk in smaller, switch-heavy lineups to maintain defensive flexibility.
How did the Spurs overcome a 15-point deficit in the third quarter?
San Antonio launched a 21-5 run late in the third quarter, fueled by Stephon Castle’s scoring and Dylan Harper’s second-half surge, to take an 88-87 lead into the final period.
Is Wembanyama expected to play in Game 4?
His status for Sunday’s Game 4 remains unknown, as Coach Johnson said he is progressing through the concussion protocol but did not confirm a return timeline.
