By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The San Antonio Spurs took down the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5 of their best-of-seven series, officially securing a 4-1 victory in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google. Beyond their first postseason appearance since 2019, the 114–95 victory on Tuesday marked their first advancement to the second round since their Western Conference Finals run in 2017.
With the team guided by Mitch Johnson on a commanding lead most of the night, the rotations were widened early. The Spurs never trailed and peaked at 28 points, ensuring the outcome was rarely in doubt. French superstar Victor Wembanyama logged 34 minutes, during which he tallied 17 points, 14 rebounds, six blocks, and three assists, while being serenaded by MVP chants.
Efficiency was the story of the first half, as the Spurs shot a blistering 66.7%. Showing a spark of resilience, the team guided by interim head coach Tiago Splitter cut the deficit to nine points with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, though San Antonio quickly regained control.
Israeli Deni Avdija recorded a game-high 22 points for the Blazers. Joining him in the starting lineup was Belgium’s Toumani Camara, who concluded his 2025-26 campaign with a seven-point, eight-rebound performance. Lifting his side off the bench, France’s Sidy Cissoko put in 11 points, while Czechia’s Vit Krejci had two.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-3 (101-112, 98-83, 105-113, 88-94)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-2 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126, 89-93)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 3-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109, 114-98, 126-97)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 3-2 (123-91, 97-111, 108-100, 128-96, 97-113)
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 4-0 (119-84, 120-107, 121-109, 131-122)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 3-1 (107-98, 101-94, 112-108, 96-115)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 2-3 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113, 96-112, 125-113)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 4-1 (111-98, 103-106, 120-108, 114-93, 114-95)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder – Winner 2
6. San Antonio Spurs – Winner 3
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions