Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle delivered a defining performance for the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers, combining for 60 points to overcome a 15-point deficit and secure a 120-108 victory without injured star Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs entered the game trailing the series 1-1 and facing the absence of Wembanyama, who remained in concussion protocol after a hard fall in Game 2. With their All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox struggling offensively, San Antonio turned to its rookie duo to spark a comeback.
Castle led all scorers with 33 points, while Harper contributed 27 points off the bench, shooting an efficient 9-of-12 from the field. Their combined effort powered a decisive 21-5 run late in the third quarter that erased a 15-point deficit and gave the Spurs an 88-87 lead heading into the final period.
Portland had built a 65-59 halftime advantage, fueled by a hot shooting night from beyond the arc — they made 10-of-21 three-pointers in the first two quarters. Jrue Holiday kept the Trail Blazers in contention with 29 points, six rebounds, and four steals, but Portland could not sustain its early momentum.
After the Spurs took the lead midway through the fourth quarter on a step-back jumper by Castle and a pair of free throws, the Trail Blazers collapsed offensively. San Antonio extended its advantage to double digits and held on for the win, taking a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 in Portland.
Harper’s scoring burst came primarily off the bench, providing immediate energy when the Spurs needed it most. Castle, meanwhile, showcased poise beyond his rookie year, hitting difficult shots and making key free throws in crunch time.
The victory marked a significant moment for San Antonio’s young core, demonstrating resilience and depth in the face of adversity. With Wembanyama’s return still uncertain, the Spurs have leaned on their rookies to carry the load — a strategy that paid off in Game 3.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday at the Moda Center in Portland, where the Spurs will look to extend their series lead. A win there would set them on the brink of advancing to the second round, while a loss would set up a decisive Game 5 back in San Antonio.
For now, the focus remains on the unexpected heroes of Game 3: Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle, whose combined 60-point effort not only secured a vital road win but also signaled the emergence of a promising young duo capable of leading the Spurs through adversity.
As the series shifts back to Portland, all eyes will be on whether San Antonio’s rookies can maintain their high level of play — and whether Victor Wembanyama will be cleared to return in time to impact the outcome.
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