SPORTS

Wembanyama Shines in Historic Spurs Playoff Win

Victor Wembanyama scores 35 points in a record-breaking playoff debut, leading Spurs past Trail Blazers.

By James Williamson — Sports Specialist

Last updated: April 20, 2026 12:00 am • 3 Min Read

Victor Wembanyama scores 35 points in a record-breaking playoff debut, leading Spurs past Trail Blazers.

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The Spurs win thanks to Wembanyama's historic playoff debut. SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 111-98 in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference series on Sunday night, with Victor Wembanyama scoring 35 points in his postseason debut. Since the league's play-by-play era started in 1997, Wembanyama's 21 points in the first half of an NBA playoff debut set an NBA record. He surpassed Tim Duncan's 32 points from 1998 to set a Spurs franchise record for the most points in a postseason debut with 35. "We've been really good in the regular season, but it is obviously different," Wembanyama remarked. "Therefore, there is no reason for us to behave or act differently." Before the series moves to Portland for Games 3 and 4, Game 2 takes place in San Antonio on Tuesday night.

Trail Blazers' Reaction and Strong Team Support For San Antonio, Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox each contributed 17 points and 15 assists. In Tuesday's play-in game, Portland defeated Phoenix 114-110 to secure the seventh seed, led by Deni Avdija with 30 points and 10 rebounds. After Wembanyama and Brandon Miller, Scoot Henderson, the third choice in the 2023 draft, contributed eighteen points. In response to the Trail Blazers' toughness, the Spurs held them to 10-for-38 3-point shooting and enjoyed a 45-38 rebounding lead. Coach Tiago Splitter of Portland noted, "The Spurs put you in tough situations." "You need to shoot the ball well from threes against them. We didn't. We need to improve our ball shooting."

Spurs' Defensive Domination and Playoff Comeback The Spurs were ready for their first postseason game since 2019, as was the sold-out crowd at the Frost Bank Center, which included Duncan and fellow Hall of Famer and former teammate David Robinson seated courtside. San Antonio won five NBA titles and participated in a league-high 22 consecutive postseasons prior to the six-year postseason drought. Because of their 7-foot-4 post player from France, who is a finalist for the NBA's MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards, Spurs supporters are once again having great dreams. Midway through the first quarter, Wembanyama's highlights included backing Avdija down to the top of the key, dribbling behind his back to escape him at halfcourt, turning around him, and sprinting free to the basket for a two-handed dunk. Devin Vassell scored eight points in a row while blocking Donovan Clingan and Jrue Holiday as San Antonio tightened their defense to reclaim their double-digit advantage in the third quarter. "Just not giving up on the play is what we've talked about," Vassell remarked. Whether it's the first possession of the first quarter or the final possession of the fourth, every possession counts. Pay attention to the whistle.

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