Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper Lead Spurs Past Trail Blazers in Game 3

Stephon Castle delivered a 33-point performance while Dylan Harper added 27 points and 10 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs overcame the absence of Victor Wembanyama to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 120-108 on Friday night in Portland, Oregon, taking a 2-1 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series.

The Spurs trailed by as many as 15 points in the third quarter before mounting a 21-5 run to seize control. Castle’s step-back jumper and a pair of free throws extended the lead to 105-95 midway through the fourth quarter, helping San Antonio secure the victory despite Wembanyama sitting out due to a concussion sustained in Game 2.

Jrue Holiday led the Trail Blazers with 29 points, but Portland could not capitalize on San Antonio’s missing star center. The win gives the Spurs at least two more home games in the series, with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday at the Moda Center in Portland.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson confirmed Wembanyama’s absence prior to the game, noting the rookie center remains in the NBA’s concussion protocol. Portland entered the game seeking its first home playoff appearance since 2021 but fell short despite Holiday’s strong showing.

Looking ahead, the Spurs aim to close out the series in Portland on Sunday, while the Trail Blazers will look to force a return to San Antonio with a Game 4 victory.

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