By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The San Antonio Spurs reclaimed control of their best-of-seven series versus the Portland Trail Blazers in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, overcoming a 15-point third-quarter deficit to secure a 2-1 lead with a 120–108 victory at the Moda Center on Friday. Momentum ultimately shifted during a fourth-quarter rally that saw the visitors take over for good, weathering nine lead changes to dampen the energy in Portland.
In a resilient Game 3 performance, they remained without their cornerstone, Victor Wembanyama. The French phenom was seen getting up shots during the morning shootaround and even after being ruled out, and also supported his teammates from the bench throughout the night. Before tipoff, head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed that the 7-foot-4 center must still clear mandatory benchmarks before returning to action.
Wemby’s absence remains a critical storyline, as the league’s first unanimous Kia Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player finalist was injured during Game 2, leaving the Spurs to rely on the depth that saw them go 12-6 without him during the 2025-26 Regular Season. With the series remaining in Portland for Game 4 this Sunday, the Le Chesnay native must clear the league’s concussion protocol in time to rejoin his squad.
The contest proved difficult for the international starters of the Blazers, as Israeli forward Deni Avdija struggled with a 3-for-15 shooting showing, finishing with 19 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, while Belgium’s Toumani Camara also found it tough to find a rhythm, recording just two points in 33 minutes. France’s Sidy Cissoko and Czechia’s Vit Krejci were limited to brief appearances late in the fourth quarter under coach Tiago Splitter.
Meanwhile, the recipient of the 2025-26 Kia NBA Most Improved Player award was announced by the NBA, with Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker taking home the George Mikan Trophy. Israel’s Avdija finished third in the voting with 135 points and seven first-place selections, trailing fellow finalists Alexander-Walker and Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons. Portuguese center Neemias Queta of the Boston Celtics followed in fourth place with 41 points, while Wembanyama also earned a point.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-1 (101-112, 98-83)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-1 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 2-1 (123-91, 97-111, 108-100)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 2-0 (119-84, 120-107)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 3-0 (107-98, 101-94, 112-108)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-2 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 2-1 (111-98, 103-106, 120-108)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions