The Portland Trail Blazers are now one loss away from elimination after another second-half collapse, falling 114-93 to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series. San Antonio now holds a 3-1 advantage heading into Game 5, fueled by the return of Victor Wembanyama.
Portland appeared firmly in command early. After a competitive first quarter, the Blazers erupted in the second, putting together a dominant run to build a 58-41 halftime lead, at one point stretching the margin to 19. Deni Avdija led the charge with 26 points, while contributions from Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, and Robert Williams III helped ignite the surge.
Wembanyama, who had been listed as questionable before tipoff, made an immediate impact in his return, energizing the crowd with a powerful first-half dunk. Back in action after missing time with a concussion, the 7-foot-4 Defensive Player of the Year delivered 27 points, 11 rebounds, and seven blocks. De’Aaron Fox added 28 points as the Spurs seized control late.
The momentum, however, flipped almost immediately after the break with San Antonio opening the third quarter with a 13-0 run, quickly erasing most of the deficit as Portland’s offense stalled. Devin Vassell helped push the comeback further, knocking down key jumpers to give the Spurs their first lead since early in the game. By the end of the third, the score was tied at 74.
The fourth quarter turned into a rout. Fox and Keldon Johnson drilled consecutive three-pointers to spark a decisive run, and Johnson later punctuated the surge with a dunk that effectively sealed the outcome. In total, the Spurs dominated the second half 73-35, overwhelming a Blazers team that struggled to regain its footing.
Tempers flared late when Avdija and Stephon Castle exchanged shoves, resulting in matching technical fouls. Castle, coming off a 33-point performance in Game 3, briefly exited earlier with a hand issue but returned.
Game 5 is set for Tuesday in San Antonio with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. While the Spurs have a chance to close out the series Tuesday night. Portland faces a must-win situation to extend its season and force a Game 6 back home.
Editorial credit: Gemeey / Shutterstock.com