Victor Wembanyama delivered another electrifying performance, scoring 28 points and sinking two clutch free throws with 2.1 seconds remaining to lift the San Antonio Spurs to a stunning 118-116 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
The win marked a significant comeback for the Spurs, who clawed back after trailing by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter.
The decisive moment came after Jerami Grant tied the game at 116 with a driving layup with 6.1 seconds left. However, Grant’s heroics were quickly overshadowed when he fouled Wembanyama on the ensuing possession. The 7-foot-4 rookie, showing poise beyond his years, calmly drained both free throws to seal the victory for San Antonio.
The Blazers seemed to have control for much of the game, especially after surging ahead 105-88 with just over eight minutes left in the final quarter. But the Spurs refused to back down. A Jeremy Sochan free throw tied the game at 109, and Julian Champagnie’s clutch 3-pointer with 2:08 remaining gave San Antonio a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Despite dealing with significant roster challenges, the Spurs showcased resilience and grit. San Antonio entered the game with only 11 available players due to injuries and were further depleted when veteran guard Chris Paul was ejected late in the first quarter after picking up two technical fouls. Paul’s ejection left the Spurs with just 10 players for the remainder of the contest.
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Early on, the Spurs appeared to have the upper hand, taking a 52-42 lead into halftime. However, Portland roared back in the third quarter behind a scorching performance from Jerami Grant. The Blazers forward erupted for 22 of his game-high 32 points in the period, including a key 3-pointer that tied the game at 60. By the end of the third, Portland led 88-80 and seemed poised to cruise to victory.
Anfernee Simons provided additional firepower for the Blazers, pouring in 30 points and keeping the pressure on San Antonio throughout the night. Yet Portland’s inability to close out the game in the final minutes proved costly.
Devin Vassell delivered a strong performance off the bench for the Spurs, contributing 23 points and providing much-needed scoring support for Wembanyama. The rookie phenom once again demonstrated why he’s considered one of the league’s brightest young talents, combining his scoring touch with critical defensive plays down the stretch.
Portland’s depth was bolstered by the return of Donovan Clingan, who received a warm ovation when he entered the game in the first quarter after missing seven contests with a left knee sprain. However, the Blazers struggled to maintain their defensive intensity late in the game, allowing the Spurs to mount their improbable comeback.
The absence of key players loomed large for both teams. For San Antonio, Stephon Castle missed his first game of the season due to a bruised left shoulder, while Zach Collins (bruised lower back), Keldon Johnson (left calf strain), and Tre Jones (sprained left shoulder) were also unavailable. Portland’s lineup adjustments, highlighted by Clingan’s return, weren’t enough to stave off the surging Spurs.
Absences
The turning point of the game arguably came with Paul’s ejection just before the end of the first quarter. Although his absence left San Antonio’s backcourt thin, it galvanized the remaining players to step up and deliver in crucial moments.
Jerami Grant’s sharpshooting was a standout statistic, as he connected on 8-of-10 attempts from beyond the arc, matching his season-high for made 3-pointers. However, his offensive brilliance was overshadowed by the foul on Wembanyama that ultimately decided the game.
Looking ahead, the Spurs will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, while the Trail Blazers are set to face the Phoenix Suns. Both teams will aim to regroup and build on the lessons from Friday’s thrilling matchup.
The game served as another reminder of the Spurs’ tenacity and the star power of Wembanyama, who continues to make his mark in his rookie season. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers will need to address their late-game execution as they prepare for their next challenge.
