Spurs overpower Blazers to seal 4-1 series win

San Antonio Spurs secured an impressive 114-95 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, sealing a 4-1 first-round Western Conference playoff series win.

San Antonio dominated early, building a double-digit lead in the first quarter and stretching it to 28 points late in the second. Despite a late push from Portland in the fourth quarter, the Spurs maintained control to close out the series comfortably.

This marks San Antonio’s first playoff series victory since 2017.

De’Aaron Fox led the Spurs with 21 points and nine assists, delivering a decisive performance in the final quarter where he scored 13 points to halt Portland’s comeback attempt.

Victor Wembanyama recorded an impressive all-round performance with 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks, while Dylan Harper also added 17 points. Julian Champagnie contributed 19 points and seven rebounds, including a strong first-half showing that helped establish the early lead.

San Antonio’s dominance was evident in the first half, shooting 66.7% from the field and 46.7% from three-point range. Eight players contributed at least five points before halftime, highlighting the team’s depth.

Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson also secured his first playoff series victory since taking over from Gregg Popovich, who stepped aside due to health concerns.

Meanwhile, Wembanyama became the first player since Patrick Ewing (1994) to record consecutive playoff games with double-doubles and at least six blocks.

The Spurs will now face the winner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets series, currently led 3-2 by Minnesota.