Victor Wembanyama wasted no time announcing his arrival in the NBA playoffsCompetition·NBA Playoffs. The Spurs center torched the Portland Trail Blazers for 35 points in his debut, including an NBA-record 21 in the first half since 1997 and a San Antonio franchise mark for a postseason opener, as the Spurs claimed a 111-98 victory in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday at the Frost Bank CenterVenue·Frost Bank Center.
San Antonio, which finished the 2025-26 regular season at 62-20 and second in the West, asserted dominance early. Wembanyama's scoring barrage set the tone, with Stephon CastlePlayer·Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox adding 17 points apiece and combining for 15 assists. The Spurs' balanced attack overwhelmed a Portland squad punching above its weight after securing the No. 7 seed with a 114-110 play-in upset over Phoenix.
The Blazers, ending the year at 42-40 and returning to the playoffs after a three-year absence, showed fight led by Deni AvdijaPlayer·Deni Avdija's 30 points and 10 rebounds. Scoot Henderson contributed 18, but Portland couldn't match San Antonio's paint presence or perimeter defense. Without Damian Lillard for the season (Achilles), the Blazers leaned on youth and grit, yet Spurs rim protection stifled their drives.
This marks San Antonio's first playoff appearance since 2019, their deepest postseason push in years fueled by Wembanyama's sophomore leap. The victory ends a seven-year playoff win drought, positioning the Spurs as legitimate threats in a wide-open West. Portland, meanwhile, faces an uphill climb without Lillard's playmaking, though their play-in resilience hints at spoiler potential.
Injuries factored in: Spurs guard Jordan McLaughlin remains day-to-day with an ankle issue, while David Jones GarciaPlayer·David Jones Garcia is out for the season (ankle). No new Blazers ailments surfaced, but Chauncey Billups eyed lineup tweaks postgame to counter Fox's speed.
Game 2 tips off Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET in San Antonio (Spurs -11.5, over/under 220.5), with Games 3 and 4 shifting to Portland. San Antonio's home dominance—heavy favorites after a 62-win campaign—gives them strong advancement odds, but the Blazers' upset pedigree keeps the series intriguing. Wembanyama's debut cements his status as the West's most disruptive force, setting up a pivotal response from Portland.
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