Wembanyama Dominates as Spurs Overcome Trail Blazers to Reach Western Conference Semifinals

Key Takeaways:

• Victor Wembanyama delivered 17 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks to help San Antonio clinch a 114-95 victory over Portland in Game 5
• The Spurs secured their third consecutive win in the series, progressing to the Western Conference semifinals for the first time since 2017
• San Antonio will face either the Denver Nuggets or Minnesota Timberwolves in the next round, with Minnesota currently leading 3-2

Match Overview

Victor Wembanyama once again asserted his class with a commanding double-double as the San Antonio Spurs dispatched the Portland Trail Blazers 114-95 at home, sealing their first-round NBA Playoff series 4-1 on Tuesday night. Never trailing throughout Game 5, the Spurs surged as far as 28 points ahead and secured their third successive victory to eliminate Portland and book their place in the Western Conference semifinals.

First series win since 2017 ✅@FrostBank | #PorVida pic.twitter.com/uG3oo7GOgq

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 29, 2026

Spurs Display Early Dominance

San Antonio avoided the early double-digit deficits that had troubled them in Games 3 and 4, opening the contest with a 17-4 burst led by a pair of 3-pointers and eight points from Julian Champagnie. The second-seeded Spurs, determined to close the series at home, shot 40% from beyond the arc, with Champagnie converting five of his seven attempts from long range and contributing 19 points overall. De’Aaron Fox contributed a team-high 21 points, while Dylan Harper added 17.

Wembanyama’s Defensive Prowess Shines

The 7-foot-4 French centre was at the heart of the Spurs’ defensive efforts, recording six blocks, including a late rejection that sent Deni Avdija’s floater into the crowd. Portland attempted to mount a comeback, reducing the margin to 91-82 with eight minutes to go after an 11-0 run, but San Antonio quickly wrestled back control. Wembanyama’s ability to contest both inside and on the perimeter drew praise from Portland coach Tiago Splitter, who noted the unique challenges Wembanyama presents for opponents.

Portland’s Offence Falters

Despite Deni Avdija’s 22 points, Portland struggled from the three-point line, converting at just 23%. Avdija himself was 1 of 6 from distance. Scoot Henderson managed five points, having tallied only 10 in the previous game following an altercation with Harper. The series overall was marked by its physicality, as reflected in several on-court skirmishes between the teams.

Spurs Set Their Sights on Next Opponent

With this victory, San Antonio reached the Western Conference semifinals for the first time since their 2017 run, a campaign that ended in the conference finals after an injury to Kawhi Leonard. The Spurs now await the outcome of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves match-up; the Timberwolves currently hold a 3-2 series lead, with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday.

Next, San Antonio will look to maintain their momentum in the semifinals, with Wembanyama’s defensive influence and their recent offensive fluency providing ample cause for optimism.