San Antonio Spurs rally from 19 down to beat Trail Blazers 114-93 as Fox and Wembanyama lead comeback
San Antonio Spurs rallied from a 19-point deficit to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 114-93 in Game 4, with De’Aaron Fox scoring 28 and Victor Wembanyama returning with 27.
The San Antonio Spurs erased a sizable early hole and seized a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference first-round series after a decisive 114-93 victory in Portland. De’Aaron Fox led the comeback with efficient scoring, while Victor Wembanyama made an immediate impact in his return from concussion protocol. The result shifts momentum as the series moves to San Antonio for Game 5 on Tuesday.
Spurs erase 19-point deficit to take control of series
San Antonio opened the night on a cold stretch, falling behind by as many as 19 points before a sustained run turned the game. The Spurs put together persistent offensive pressure and defensive stops that gradually flipped the scoreboard in their favor. By closing the half and dominating the third quarter, they built a lead Portland could not recover from.
The comeback reflected a balance between guard play and interior defense, with the Spurs finding rhythm in transition and on the perimeter. Portland’s early offense stalled as San Antonio increased physicality and contested shots more effectively. When the Spurs’ schedule momentum swung, they extended their advantage into the fourth quarter and closed decisively.
Fox’s scoring efficiency fuels the rally
De’Aaron Fox finished with 28 points on 11-of-17 shooting, including four 3-pointers, carrying the Spurs offensively when they needed a lift. His ability to attack the rim and convert open looks from deep forced Portland to adjust defensive coverages and opened lanes for teammates. Fox’s scoring outburst provided the consistent production that erased the early deficit and sustained the lead late in the game.
Beyond raw numbers, Fox’s shot selection and pace pushed San Antonio’s transition game, turning several stops into high-percentage scores. Teammates capitalized on the attention he drew, and the Spurs’ bench contributions helped maintain the offensive tempo. The combination of Fox’s efficiency and timely perimeter shooting proved decisive in the second-half swing.
Wembanyama returns with defensive dominance
Victor Wembanyama, back after missing the previous game under concussion protocol, produced 27 points while anchoring the defense with 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals. His presence altered Portland’s interior plans and created deterrent effects that impacted shot selection across the floor. Wembanyama’s active hands and rim protection were central to San Antonio re-establishing defensive control.
The performance underscored why he was recognized as the NBA’s first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, as he combined shot-blocking with loose-ball play and rebounding. Wembanyama’s contributions extended to the glass and transitional defense, where his length helped convert defensive stops into fast-break opportunities. His return provided a psychological and tactical lift for the Spurs.
Trail Blazers’ offense falters amid Spurs’ surge
Portland built an early lead behind hot shooting and aggressive drives, but the Trail Blazers were unable to sustain that efficiency when San Antonio tightened its defense. Turnovers and missed perimeter attempts during the decisive stretch allowed the Spurs to capitalize and lengthen possessions. Portland’s attempts to reset were repeatedly met by Wembanyama’s rim presence and Fox’s scoring runs.
Coaching adjustments late in the second quarter tried to slow the Spurs’ momentum, but lapses in execution and rebounding left the Trail Blazers chasing the game. While Portland produced moments of offense, the team was outscored in the periods that mattered most and failed to respond to San Antonio’s increased defensive intensity. The result leaves Portland facing a must-win situation in Game 5.
Series now shifts to San Antonio for pivotal Game 5
With the series standing 3-1 in favor of the Spurs, Game 5 moves to San Antonio on Tuesday, where the home court will be critical for both teams. The Spurs can close the series sooner if they replicate the defensive focus and offensive balance displayed in Game 4. Portland, meanwhile, must find answers for containing Wembanyama and limiting Fox’s efficient scoring to extend the matchup.
Coaches will likely emphasize matchup adjustments, rotation pacing and foul management ahead of the pivotal contest. How the Trail Blazers respond to the pressure of an elimination-like scenario and whether the Spurs can maintain their two-way intensity will shape the remainder of the series. Both teams enter the break between games with clear tactical questions to address.
The San Antonio Spurs’ comeback victory in Game 4 was defined by timely shooting and a revitalized defense anchored by Victor Wembanyama, and it gives San Antonio a commanding 3-1 lead as the series moves back to Texas.
