By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The San Antonio Spurs were clinical to open their campaign in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, leading nearly wire-to-wire in a dominant 111–98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Aside from a fleeting three-point deficit in the opening minutes, they controlled the tempo throughout the contest, building a lead that eclipsed 20 points during the fourth quarter and securing a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series.
French sensation Victor Wembanyama lived up to the immense anticipation of his postseason debut. The 22-year-old center authored a historic performance, netting 21 points by halftime, the highest scoring output in a player’s first career playoff half since play-by-play tracking began in the 1997-98 season. Finishing with 35 points, the most for any Spurs player in his playoff debut, Wemby shot 13-of-21 from the floor, including an efficient 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, while contributing five rebounds, two blocks, and one assist in 33 minutes.
The win marks a significant milestone for a Spurs roster largely inexperienced in postseason play, representing the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2019. To bridge the experience gap, the team has leaned on the guidance of legendary former coach Gregg Popovich, with the 77-year-old Hall of Famer, who is still recovering from a stroke suffered in late 2024, remains a constant presence at the team facility and addressed the players earlier in the week to offer his insights.
On the wrong end of Game 1, Israeli forward Deni Avdija provided a bright spot for the visitors, leading all scorers with 30 points on 12-of-21 shooting. He also collected ten rebounds and five assists in his 39 minutes on the floor. Fellow starter, Belgian forward Toumani Camara, struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with eight points on 2-of-7 shooting. Meanwhile, Czech guard Vit Krejci and French wing Sidy Cissoko were limited to brief appearances late in the fourth quarter.
The series remains at San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center for Game 2 on Tuesday, as the Blazers look to rebound from their first playoff game since 2021.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 0-1 (101-112)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 1-0 (126-113)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-0 (113-102)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-0 (123-91)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 1-0 (119-84)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 1-0 (107-98)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-0 (126-115)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 1-0 (111-98)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions
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