Spurs vs. Blazers: NBA Playoffs 2025/2026 First Round Game 1 Live Updates
SAN ANTONIO — The 2025/2026 NBA Playoffs tipped off with a Western Conference first-round clash between the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers at the Alamodome on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Tipoff was scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Central Time (02:00 UTC, April 16).
The Spurs, entering as the No. 8 seed in the West, hosted the No. 9 seed Blazers in a best-of-seven series opener. San Antonio clinched the play-in tournament victory over the New Orleans Pelicans just days prior, securing their first playoff appearance since the 2021-22 season. Portland, meanwhile, navigated a turbulent regular season to claim the play-in spot, overcoming the Golden State Warriors in their decisive game.
Both teams arrived with notable roster movements. The Spurs welcomed back veteran guard Dejounte Murray from a 10-game suspension, while the Blazers integrated recent trade acquisition Malcolm Brogdon into their starting lineup. Injury reports indicated Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama was listed as questionable due to a right ankle sprain sustained in the final regular-season game, though he ultimately started. Blazers star Damian Lillard was listed as probable after managing a left calf strain throughout March.
Early in the first quarter, Wembanyama showcased his versatility with a putback dunk off a missed three-pointer, energizing the home crowd. The Blazers responded with a 10-0 run sparked by Brogdon’s aggressive penetration and kick-out passes to open shooters. By the end of the first quarter, Portland led 28-24, shooting 50% from the field compared to San Antonio’s 38%.
The second quarter saw the Spurs adjust defensively, doubling Lillard in the pick-and-roll to force him into challenging shots. This strategy yielded turnovers, leading to fast-break opportunities for San Antonio. Murray, returning from suspension, contributed 12 points and 4 assists in the quarter, helping the Spurs grab a 52-49 halftime lead. The Blazers shot 40% from three in the half, while the Spurs connected on 45% of their attempts inside the arc.
Halftime adjustments saw Portland emphasize ball movement to exploit the Spurs’ closeouts. Anfernee Simons initiated the offense from the wing, finding open looks for Robert Williams III in the paint. The Blazers regained the lead early in the third quarter, extending it to 10 points after a series of corner three-pointers. San Antonio’s bench, led by rookie Jeremy Sochan, provided a spark with aggressive defensive rotations, cutting the deficit to four points by the end of the third quarter (78-74 Blazers).
The fourth quarter unfolded as a defensive battle. With under four minutes remaining, the game was tied at 88 after a driving layup by Murray. A critical sequence unfolded: Lillard missed a contested jumper, Wembanyama secured the defensive rebound, and after a timeout, the Spurs executed a pick-and-roll that resulted in Murray finding Wembanyama for a dunk to position San Antonio ahead 90-88. Portland called timeout with 1:15 left. On the ensuing possession, Brogdon drove and kicked to Simons for a corner three to retake the lead, 91-90.
With 45 seconds left, the Spurs inbounded the ball. Murray attempted a fadeaway jumper that missed, and Williams III grabbed the offensive rebound, putting back the miss for a 93-90 Blazers lead. The Spurs fouled Williams III, who made one of two free throws (94-90). San Antonio’s final possession resulted in a turnover, sealing a 94-90 victory for the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round series.
Postgame, Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups praised his team’s resilience: “We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but our guys stayed locked in defensively and made the plays when it mattered.” Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich acknowledged the loss but pointed to progress: “We competed hard, especially in the second half. We’ll learn from this and adjust for Game 2.”
Series standings: Portland Trail Blazers lead 1-0. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. Central Time (02:00 UTC, April 18) at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
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