San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers Match Player Stats: Castle’s 33-Point Explosion Leads Spurs to Game 3 Victory
The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers delivered another playoff classic on Friday night, with the san antonio spurs vs portland trail blazers match player stats telling a story of resilience, firepower, and a stunning second-half comeback. Despite playing without their defensive anchor, the Spurs turned a 15-point third-quarter deficit into a statement 120-108 victory, seizing a 2-1 series lead in their Western Conference first-round matchup.
Portland came out swinging in front of their home crowd at the Moda Center, feeding off the energy of 20,438 fans and building what looked like an insurmountable advantage. But San Antonio’s backcourt refused to fold. Stephon Castle erupted for a playoff-high 33 points, rookie Dylan Harper delivered a near-perfect shooting performance off the bench, and the Spurs’ defense clamped down when it mattered most. This wasn’t just a win—it was a blueprint for how this team can thrive even when their superstar is sidelined.
Match Overview
| Information | Match Details |
|---|---|
| Event | NBA Playoffs First Round – Game 3 |
| Game | San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers |
| Date | April 24, 2026 |
| Venue | Moda Center (Portland, Oregon) |
| Attendance | 20,438 |
| Winner | San Antonio Spurs |
| Final Score | 120-108 |
| Broadcast | TNT, NBA TV |
Core Match Statistics Overview
The box score reveals a tale of two halves, but the final numbers tell the story of San Antonio’s offensive efficiency and Portland’s inability to sustain their early momentum.
| Team Metric | San Antonio Spurs | Portland Trail Blazers |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals % | 47.1% (41-87) | 41.1% (37-90) |
| 3PT % | 48.5% (16-33) | 36.8% (14-38) |
| Free Throws % | 78.6% (22-28) | 69.0% (20-29) |
| Total Rebounds | 62 | 53 |
| Assists | 27 | 21 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 11 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 8 | 4 |
| Points in Paint | 42 | 44 |
| Fast Break Points | 15 | 19 |
Three-Point Shooting
The Spurs’ 48.5% clip from beyond the arc was the single biggest separator. San Antonio knocked down 16 triples on 33 attempts, while Portland managed just 14 on 38 tries. Dylan Harper’s 4-for-5 performance from deep and Castle’s 3-for-4 showing provided the perimeter punch Portland simply couldn’t match.
Ball Movement and Playmaking
San Antonio’s 27 assists on 41 made field goals reflect a sharing ethos that Portland couldn’t replicate (21 assists on 37 makes). The Spurs moved the ball crisply through their backcourt, finding the open man and forcing Portland’s defense into constant rotation.
Rebounding Dominance
The Spurs outrebounded the Blazers 62-53, including a commanding 14 offensive boards that led to second-chance opportunities. Luke Kornet and Dylan Harper combined for 20 rebounds, giving San Antonio extra possessions that proved fatal for Portland.
Period-by-Period Analysis
| Period | San Antonio Spurs | Portland Trail Blazers |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 27 | 29 |
| Q2 | 32 | 36 |
| Q3 | 29 | 22 |
| Q4 | 32 | 21 |
| Final | 120 | 108 |
- First Half – Portland’s Hot Start: The Blazers came out firing, with Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson combining for 33 first-half points. Portland’s 15-2 run pushed their lead to 50-43, and they carried a 65-59 advantage into the break. The Spurs looked disjointed without Wembanyama’s rim protection.
- Third Quarter – The Turnaround: Portland stretched their lead to 82-67 midway through the third, appearing poised to run away with the game. Then the switch flipped. San Antonio unleashed a 21-5 run that flipped an 82-67 deficit into an 88-87 lead entering the final period. Castle and Harper ignited the surge with relentless attacking.
- Fourth Quarter – San Antonio’s Knockout Punch: The Spurs outscored Portland 32-21 in the fourth, with Castle’s step-back jumper and free throws pushing the lead to 105-95 midway through the period. Portland collapsed under the weight of San Antonio’s defensive pressure, managing just 21 points in the final 12 minutes.
San Antonio Spurs Player Statistics
The Spurs’ balanced attack featured five players in double figures, led by a breakout performance from their young guard.
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephon Castle | 34:04 | 33 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 55.6% | 75.0% | 90.9% |
| Dylan Harper | 29:49 | 27 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 75.0% | 80.0% | 83.3% |
| De’Aaron Fox | 36:28 | 18 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 43.8% | 16.7% | 60.0% |
| Luke Kornet | 29:56 | 14 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 66.7% | 100% | 50.0% |
| Devin Vassell | 32:32 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 33.3% | 42.9% | 0.0% |
Stephon Castle was the engine of San Antonio’s comeback. His 33 points came on 10-of-18 shooting, including a scorching 3-of-4 from deep and a perfect 10-of-11 from the charity stripe. Castle’s poise in the face of Portland’s defensive pressure—particularly his ability to get to the line—kept the Spurs within striking distance during their darkest moments.
Dylan Harper provided the spark off the bench that changed the game’s complexion entirely. His 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting, paired with 10 rebounds, delivered the kind of instant offense San Antonio desperately needed. Harper’s 4-for-5 mark from three-point range stretched Portland’s defense and opened driving lanes for Castle.
Luke Kornet stepped into the starting center role admirably, posting 14 points and 10 rebounds while blocking two shots. His presence in the paint—both as a roll man and as a defensive anchor—helped San Antonio survive Wembanyama’s absence.
Portland Trail Blazers Player Statistics
Portland’s starting unit carried the scoring load, but the supporting cast struggled to provide consistent production.
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jrue Holiday | 40:32 | 29 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 66.7% | 55.6% | — |
| Scoot Henderson | 36:04 | 21 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 44.4% | 50.0% | — |
| Deni Avdija | 36:41 | 19 | 6 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 20.0% | 25.0% | 75.0% |
| Jerami Grant | 22:36 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36.4% | 40.0% | 100% |
| Robert Williams III | 24:59 | 11 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 62.5% | 0.0% | 50.0% |
Jrue Holiday was magnificent for Portland, pouring in 29 points on 12-of-18 shooting with five triples and four steals. The veteran guard kept the Blazers competitive single-handedly at times, but he couldn’t sustain the offensive load without more help from his supporting cast.
Scoot Henderson added 21 points, including 5-of-10 from deep, but his impact was muted by the absence of playmaking—just one assist in 36 minutes. When Henderson isn’t creating for others, Portland’s offense becomes predictable and easier to defend.
Deni Avdija stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists, but his 3-of-15 shooting night (20%) crippled Portland’s efficiency. Avdija’s aggression at the rim drew fouls (12-of-16 from the line), but his missed shots from the field allowed San Antonio to secure defensive rebounds and push in transition.
Statistical Leaders Summary
| Category | San Antonio Spurs | Portland Trail Blazers |
|---|---|---|
| Leading Scorer | Stephon Castle (33) | Jrue Holiday (29) |
| Second Leading Scorer | Dylan Harper (27) | Scoot Henderson (21) |
| Top Rebounder | Dylan Harper / Luke Kornet (10) | Donovan Clingan (11) |
| Most Assists | De’Aaron Fox (6) | Deni Avdija (9) |
Analytical Breakdowns
Why San Antonio Won
Clutch Perimeter Efficiency
The Spurs’ shooting splits in the second half were nothing short of elite. After shooting 48.5% from deep for the game, San Antonio saved their best for when it counted most. Castle and Harper combined for 7-of-9 from three-point range, consistently answering Portland’s runs with daggers of their own. The Spurs’ effective field goal percentage of .563 dwarfed Portland’s .489.
Bench Production Gap
| Category | Spurs Bench | Blazers Bench |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 35 | 30 |
| Rebounds | 21 | 15 |
| Assists | 10 | 3 |
Dylan Harper’s 27 points off the bench essentially gave San Antonio a second star-level performance alongside Castle. Portland’s bench, by contrast, managed just 30 points with limited playmaking (3 assists total). The Spurs’ second unit outplayed Portland’s reserves in every facet, providing the energy and scoring that swung momentum.
Defensive Adjustments in the Second Half
After allowing 65 first-half points, San Antonio tightened the screws defensively, holding Portland to just 43 points over the final two quarters. The Spurs’ switching schemes confused Portland’s ball-handlers, and their help defense in the paint forced the Blazers into tough mid-range jumpers. Portland shot just 41.1% for the game, a number that plummeted after halftime.
Why Portland Lost
Heavy Dependence on Two Players
Holiday (29) and Henderson (21) accounted for 50 of Portland’s 108 points, but the rest of the roster combined for just 58 points on 25-of-62 shooting (40.3%). When San Antonio’s defense keyed in on the Blazers’ primary scorers in the second half, no one else stepped up consistently. Avdija’s 3-of-15 night epitomized Portland’s supporting-cast struggles.
Third-Quarter Collapse
| Quarter | Portland Points | Spurs Points |
|---|---|---|
| Q3 | 22 | 29 |
Portland’s 22-point third quarter was the turning point. After building a 15-point lead, the Blazers went cold from the field and committed costly turnovers that fueled San Antonio’s transition game. The 21-5 Spurs run flipped the game’s momentum entirely, and Portland never recovered mentally or physically.
Free Throw Disparity
San Antonio attempted 28 free throws to Portland’s 29—nearly identical—but the Spurs converted at a 78.6% clip while Portland hit just 69.0%. Those missed freebies (9 total misses) left points on the board that could have kept Portland ahead during San Antonio’s third-quarter surge. Castle’s 10-of-11 performance from the line was particularly damaging, as he consistently drew fouls and converted when Portland needed stops.
Historical Context & Advanced Insights
Season Series Breakdown
The Spurs have now won four of their last five meetings against Portland, including three consecutive victories in the playoff series after dropping Game 2. San Antonio’s ability to win in Portland—even without Wembanyama—speaks to their depth and mental toughness.
Advanced Statistical Insights
San Antonio’s offensive rating of 126.8 dwarfed Portland’s 114.1, reflecting a massive efficiency gap. The Spurs’ effective field goal percentage (.563) and their 78.6% free throw rate created a scoring profile that Portland simply couldn’t match.
Perhaps the most telling advanced metric: San Antonio’s assist-to-field-goal ratio of .659 (27 assists on 41 makes) versus Portland’s .568 (21 assists on 37 makes). The Spurs shared the ball more effectively, created better looks, and converted those looks at a higher clip. When a team shoots 48.5% from three and moves the ball with that kind of fluidity, they’re nearly impossible to beat.
Portland’s turnover percentage (10.6%) was actually lower than San Antonio’s (13.7%), but the Spurs made their turnovers less costly by generating more second-chance opportunities (14 offensive rebounds) and converting at the free-throw line. The Blazers’ defensive rating of 126.8 tells the real story: they simply couldn’t get stops when it mattered most.
Game Implications & Key Lessons
What This Means for San Antonio
- The Spurs proved they can win playoff games without Victor Wembanyama, a revelation that should terrify the rest of the Western Conference. Castle and Harper’s emergence as reliable playoff scorers gives San Antonio offensive firepower that doesn’t depend on one player.
- Taking a 2-1 series lead on the road puts immense pressure on Portland heading into Game 4. The Spurs have stolen home-court advantage and now have two chances to close out the series in Portland.
- San Antonio’s bench outscored Portland’s 35-30, and Harper’s 27-point explosion provides coach Mitch Johnson with a weapon that Portland simply doesn’t have an answer for.
What This Means for Portland
- The Blazers must find a way to generate consistent offense beyond Holiday and Henderson. Avdija’s 3-of-15 shooting night can’t happen in a must-win Game 4. Portland needs at least three reliable scoring options to compete with San Antonio’s depth.
- Portland’s third-quarter collapses have become a pattern. After blowing a 14-point lead in Game 2 and now a 15-point lead in Game 3, the Blazers need to address their inability to close quarters with discipline.
- Defensive adjustments are urgent. The Spurs shot 48.5% from three and scored 120 points. Portland’s perimeter defense was shredded by Castle and Harper, and without a solution, this series could end quickly.
Key Lessons
- Bench scoring wins playoff games. Harper’s 27 points off the bench were the difference between a loss and a statement victory.
- Three-point shooting is the great equalizer. San Antonio’s 48.5% clip from deep allowed them to erase a 15-point deficit in under 12 minutes of game time.
- Free throw efficiency matters. Castle’s 10-of-11 performance from the line kept the Spurs ahead when Portland tried to foul their way back into the game.
- Defensive adjustments win series. San Antonio’s second-half defensive intensity held Portland to 43 points after allowing 65 in the first half.
- Depth beats top-heavy rosters. The Spurs had five players in double figures; Portland had four, but their supporting cast combined for just 30 points.
- Momentum shifts are killers. Portland’s inability to stop San Antonio’s 21-5 run changed the game’s trajectory permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Spurs vs Trail Blazers Game 3?
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 120-108 on April 24, 2026, at the Moda Center in Portland.
What were Stephon Castle’s stats in Game 3?
Stephon Castle led all scorers with 33 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. He also added 5 assists and 1 steal in 34 minutes.
How many points did Dylan Harper score?
Dylan Harper erupted for 27 points off the bench on 9-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, with 10 rebounds and 3 assists.
What were Jrue Holiday’s stats for Portland?
Jrue Holiday led the Trail Blazers with 29 points on 12-of-18 shooting, including 5-of-9 from three, with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals in 40 minutes.
Did Victor Wembanyama play in Game 3?
No, Victor Wembanyama did not play in Game 3. He was recovering from a concussion sustained in Game 2 and remained in the NBA’s concussion protocol.
What was the final score of Spurs vs Trail Blazers?
The final score was San Antonio Spurs 120, Portland Trail Blazers 108.
Conclusion
The san antonio spurs vs portland trail blazers match player stats from Game 3 reveal a simple truth: collective efficiency and depth defeated individual brilliance. While Jrue Holiday’s 29-point masterpiece and Deni Avdija’s near triple-double kept Portland competitive, the Spurs’ balanced attack—led by Castle’s 33 and Harper’s 27 off the bench—proved too much to handle. San Antonio’s 48.5% shooting from deep, 27 assists, and stifling second-half defense turned a 15-point deficit into a commanding series lead. Portland now faces a must-win Game 4, but if they can’t find answers for San Antonio’s perimeter shooting and bench production, this series may not return to San Antonio. The Spurs have sent a message: even without their superstar, they have more than enough firepower to advance.
