The San Antonio Spurs kicked off their playoff series with a hard-fought 111-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1. Victor Wembanyama delivered a historic performance, while Devin Vassell stepped up big in the second half to help the Spurs weather early jitters and secure the win.
San Antonio jumped out strong in the first half, building a double-digit lead thanks to sharp play from Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. Wembanyama dominated early with scoring and defensive presence, while the Spurs took advantage of Portland’s cold shooting from beyond the arc. By halftime, the Spurs led by 10, showing good balance on both ends despite some choppy execution and physical play.
Portland came out aggressive after the break, opening the third quarter with an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to just two points. That’s when Devin Vassell took over. The veteran guard brought energy on both ends, hitting timely shots and locking down defensively to help the Spurs regain control. Julian Champagnie also provided key contributions off the bench, and the Spurs pushed the lead back into double digits heading into the fourth.
Wembanyama finished with a playoff-high 35 points (including 5-for-6 from three), 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks in what was one of the best individual performances in Spurs postseason history. Stephon Castle added 17 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds, while De’Aaron Fox contributed 17 points and 8 assists down the stretch. Vassell chipped in 15 points and strong two-way play, and Luke Kornet gave solid minutes off the bench with 10 points and 6 rebounds.
On the Portland side, Deni Avdija carried the load with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Scoot Henderson added 18 points later in the game, but the Blazers couldn’t overcome their inconsistent shooting and timely Spurs runs.
The game featured plenty of playoff intensity — physical defense, timely adjustments, and big moments from the young core. The Spurs now head into Game 2 with home-court momentum and a chance to build on this strong opening performance. This win showed the promise of San Antonio’s mix of veteran leadership and rising talent as they look to advance in the postseason.