Amid the uncertainty surrounding Victor Wembanyama’s return date, the Spurs headed to Portland for an important Recreation 3. A loss would have upped the stress significantly on a younger San Antonio workforce that also doesn’t know when it can get its celebrity again. Happily, the Silver and Black prevailed because of unbelievable performances from their younger guards and a gutsy, bodily workforce effort on each ends.
The urgency to get a win is now squarely on the Path Blazers’ shoulders. Whether or not Wembanyama, listed as questionable, performs or not, they should come out on prime on Sunday or face elimination in San Antonio in Recreation 5. Desperation may be good, because the Spurs confirmed on Friday with a powerful second half, however it might probably additionally result in disarray. Will probably be on San Antonio to proceed to play laborious and attempt to get their opponent to make errors and exploit them.
A possible Wembanyama return may utterly change the dynamic of the sport, making the Spurs clear favorites. Even with out him, the Silver and Black have proved they will get powerful wins, so it ought to be an excellent matchup both means. Heading to San Antonio with a tied sequence wouldn’t be the worst factor on the earth, contemplating the circumstances, however this workforce clearly desires to proceed exceeding expectations, even within the playoffs.
April twenty sixth, 2026 | 2:30 PM CT
Watch: ESPN | Pay attention: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Victor Wembanyama — Questionable (Concussion), Jordan McLaughlin – Questionable (Ankle)
Path Blazers Accidents: Damian Lillard – Out (Achilles)
Can Carter Bryant deliver the power once more?
Whereas Stephon Fort’s and Dylan Harper’s manufacturing understandably acquired probably the most consideration for the win, there have been loads of others who had been important in Recreation 3. Considered one of them was Carter Bryant, the rookie who was tasked with enjoying middle in small-ball lineups. Bryant had his moments within the first half however actually made his mark within the second, flying across the courtroom on protection but additionally strolling the ball up on offense to assist keep away from the full-court press the Blazers had been utilizing on the guards and preserving the offense shifting when he acquired the ball within the half-court.
The problem, if Wembanyama misses the sport, can be to do all of it once more. The Blazers had been leaving Bryant open, and at occasions, he was not even trying on the rim. Partially, he was simply attempting to get others concerned with handoffs and alter the angle of assault, but when they proceed to dare him, he’ll have to fireside away. Bryant additionally defended Deni Avdija nicely when he acquired the possibility, displaying self-discipline in opposition to a tricky opponent to protect. On the whole, his size and athleticism make him an excellent match for this matchup in opposition to a Blazers workforce that has these traits in spades, so with or extra probably with out Wemby obtainable, the Spurs may use one other good Bryant recreation.
Gang rebounding can be key
One of many largest considerations heading into the sequence was rebounding. The Path Blazers have nice offensive rebounding massive males and wish to assault the paint, drawing assist protection. The Spurs had been one of the best defensive rebounding workforce within the league, nevertheless it was nonetheless one thing they’d must concentrate on to restrict their opponent’s second-chance alternatives. They did an excellent job within the first two video games, however going into Recreation 3 with out Wemby, it appeared prefer it was going to be an issue.
Happily, the workforce discovered one other stage of power and physicality on the boards, with the perimeter gamers, particularly the younger guys, serving to out Luke Kornet, who dutifully boxed out when he was on the market. In the long run, offensive rebounding turned a energy for the Spurs as an alternative of the Blazers, because the guests completed with 22 second-chance factors to 12 for the house workforce. The Silver and Black will want that stage of dedication to each clear the defensive glass and assault offensive boards in Recreation 4, particularly if Wembanyama is out.
Can Keldon Johnson have an enormous recreation?
Keldon Johnson, the reigning Sixth Man of the Yr, is averaging 5 factors on 28 p.c capturing up to now this sequence. He’s been an enormous assistance on the boards, averaging 5 a recreation, and has guarded facilities at occasions, however he has massively struggled to supply any type of offensive punch for the Spurs, particularly inside. In Recreation 3, he went 1-for-7 from the ground, and his solely make was a three-pointer. He’s not scored in double digits but. The Blazers’ size on the ahead spots and their inside protection have been giving Keldon matches up to now.
A few of his misses, nonetheless, have been uncharacteristic, as he usually efficiently makes use of his hook to get his shot previous rim protectors, and he has good physique management on drives. Johnson might want to proceed being aggressive, particularly when he’s guarded by Deni Avdija, to make the Blazers’ star spend power on the defensive finish. If Johnson may do a greater job when he has to protect a fringe scorer, which he has struggled to do, it will assist the Spurs massively. Portland shouldn’t be an awesome matchup for Keldon, however he wants to seek out methods to contribute, and if the previous is any indication, he’ll.
For the opponent’s perspective, go to the at all times great Blazer’s Edge.
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