Wembanyama scores 35 points in playoff debut as Spurs roll past Trail Blazers 111-98
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Victor Wembanyama scored 35 points in his playoff debut, setting an NBA record for most points in the first half of a playoff debut and a Spurs franchise record for most points in a playoff debut, leading San Antonio to a 111-98 win over Portland in Game 1.
- The Spurs held the Trail Blazers to 10-for-38 shooting on 3-pointers and had a 45-38 rebounding advantage, with Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox contributing 17 points each.
- Portland's Deni Avdija scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Scoot Henderson added 18 points, but the team struggled with shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc.
- The Spurs ended a six-season playoff drought, with fans energized by the performance of their 7-foot-4 French star, Wembanyama, who is a finalist for NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
- San Antonio's strong defensive effort in the third quarter, including key blocks by Devin Vassell, helped them maintain a double-digit lead and secure the victory.
