Patryk Stachowiak
Spurs Face Critical Game 4 Decision on Wembanyama’s Status Against Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have minimal recovery time after their Game 3 home loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Game 4 tips off Sunday afternoon in Portland, less than 48 hours after San Antonio claimed a 2-1 series lead with a 120-108 victory Friday night.
San Antonio secured the win despite missing center Victor Wembanyama, who needs medical clearance following a concussion sustained in Game 2. The Spurs mounted a comeback from a 15-point second-half deficit behind stellar performances from 20-year-old rookie guard Dylan Harper (27 points, 10 rebounds) and 21-year-old second-year guard Stephon Castle (33 points).
1. Will Wembanyama Return for Game 4?
Wembanyama’s status remains the primary storyline heading into Sunday. The 22-year-old Kia Defensive Player of the Year and one of three Kia MVP finalists cannot play until symptom-free and cleared by medical professionals and the NBA’s concussion protocol director. The process involves physical exertion testing and comprehensive evaluations before return-to-play approval.
Wembanyama established a franchise record in Game 1 with 35 points in San Antonio’s playoff debut victory. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson confirmed progression but declined to speculate on availability, citing the detailed protocol requirements.
2. Portland Must Eliminate Offensive Collapses
Portland led 82-67 with 5:09 remaining in the third quarter. San Antonio then executed a devastating run, shooting 13-for-19 and 7-for-9 on 3-pointers while the Blazers managed 6-for-23 with six missed 3-point attempts during the stretch.
Deni Avdija went 0-for-4 during this critical sequence, while Jrue Holiday (who recorded 29 points, six rebounds, five assists, and four steals overall) shot 1-for-4 and Jerami Grant went 0-for-3. Harper scored 20 points during the run, with 20-year-old rookie Carter Bryant contributing three points, six rebounds, four assists, and three blocks across the entire stretch.
Harper became the youngest guard to record a playoff double-double, joining the exclusive club of rookies with 25+ points and 10 rebounds off the bench in a playoff game since 1987. Harper and Castle also became just the second duo age 21 or younger to each score 25+ points in a playoff game, matching the distinction previously held by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
3. Avdija Must Elevate Offensive Production
Portland’s All-Star Deni Avdija dropped 30 points in Game 1 but regressed to 14 in Game 2 and 19 in Game 3. In Game 3, he shot 3-for-15 from the field with 12 points from free throws, tallying just eight points in the second half and three in the fourth quarter.
San Antonio’s defensive scheme has isolated Avdija effectively, particularly around the paint where Luke Kornet contests his rim attempts. Avdija managed 2-for-10 on paint shots as the Spurs applied physical pressure and deployed multiple defenders against him. Sunday’s matchup will test whether Avdija can break through this defensive wall and spark Portland’s offensive rhythm.
Read also: Victor Wembanyama Wins Magic Johnson Award, Dominates NBA with Elite Defense