Wembanyama absent, Spurs win Game 3 vs Trail Blazers 120-108

The San Antonio Spurs silenced the Moda Center on April 24, 2026, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 120-108 in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs — all without Victor Wembanyama, ruled out due to a concussion protocol. The win gives San Antonio a commanding 2-1 series lead, a remarkable statement of collective depth.

Castle and Harper dismantle Portland without their franchise star

The Spurs came out of the gates with urgency, establishing a rhythm through Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper before the Trail Blazers could settle. Portland leaned on Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson to apply early pressure, but San Antonio’s ball movement and transition offense kept the visitors comfortably ahead through the first half. Castle was electric, converting at the line and finding open looks on the perimeter, while Harper made his presence felt on the glass as well as the arc.

The third quarter was where the game turned decisively. Portland threatened to chip away at the deficit, with Deni Avdija operating as a facilitator and Henderson heating up from deep, but the Spurs answered every run. De’Aaron Fox controlled pace, limiting Portland’s transition opportunities while Harper’s efficiency — 9-of-12 from the field — suffocated any Blazers momentum.

In the final frame, San Antonio maintained their composure and finished with authority. Castle closed the night with 33 points on 10-of-18 shooting, while Portland’s effort from Holiday (29 points, 4 steals) proved insufficient to swing the balance. The final score of 120-108 told the full story.

Harper’s double-double and Castle’s clutch free throws seal Portland’s fate

The defining sequence of the night belonged to Dylan Harper, who completed a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds, shooting an efficient 4-of-5 from three. His +25 plus/minus was the best on the floor by a wide margin, illustrating how thoroughly he tilted the game in San Antonio’s favor whenever he was on the court. Castle complemented him by going 10-of-11 from the free-throw line, turning every Portland foul into a costly mistake late in the game.

Portland’s Scoot Henderson showed flashes — 21 points on five threes — but the Trail Blazers’ collective shooting struggled, with Avdija finishing just 3-of-15 from the field despite a valiant 9-assist effort. Luke Kornet quietly posted 14 points and 10 rebounds for San Antonio off the bench, giving the Spurs an unexpected frontcourt presence in the absence of their franchise cornerstone.

Wembanyama’s absence: a test passed, a series still wide open

Wemby’s status and what it means

Victor Wembanyama was officially ruled out ahead of tip-off after being cleared only to travel with the team as he worked through concussion protocol. The n°1 pick of the 2023 draft did not log a single minute, yet his team responded with one of their most complete road performances of the postseason. The Spurs’ ability to win without the French phenom underscores the roster construction Greg Popovich and the front office have built around him.

A deeper rotation steps up

With the pivot des Spurs unavailable, head coach Gregg Popovich distributed responsibilities across the roster. Fox (18 points, 6 assists), Vassell (11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals), and Kornet ensured there were no drop-offs at either end. The Spurs shot efficiently as a team and controlled the rebounding battle, outworking a Portland side that relied too heavily on individual brilliance.

Looking ahead to Game 4

San Antonio now hold a 2-1 series advantage with Game 4 still scheduled in Portland. The most pressing question for the Spurs is whether Wembanyama will be cleared to return — his presence would shift the series dynamics dramatically in San Antonio’s favor. For the Trail Blazers, the challenge is clear: they must find a way to win at home to stay alive, and that will require a far more cohesive team effort than Game 3 provided.

• Stephon Castle: 33 pts, 5 ast, 10/18 FG, 10/11 FT
• Dylan Harper: 27 pts, 10 reb, 9/12 FG, 4/5 3PT, +25
• De’Aaron Fox: 18 pts, 6 ast, 4 reb
• Luke Kornet: 14 pts, 10 reb, 2 blk
• Jrue Holiday (POR): 29 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl