The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 106-103 on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Frost Bank Center, evening their first-round NBA playoff series at 1-1 behind a game-high 31 points from Scoot Henderson. Portland closed the game with the steadier fourth quarter and came away with a three-point road win.
Quarter-by-quarter breakdown
First Quarter
San Antonio held a narrow 28-27 lead after one period, with both teams settling in quickly on the offensive end. The Spurs were slightly sharper early, but Portland kept the margin tight and avoided letting the home team build any real separation.
Second Quarter
The Trail Blazers responded with a 30-29 second quarter to take a 57-57 tie into halftime. Portland continued to generate enough half-court offense to match San Antonio possession for possession, setting up a competitive second half with neither side able to take firm control.
Third Quarter
The Spurs edged the third quarter 23-22 and carried an 80-79 lead into the final period. San Antonio appeared to be in position to dictate the finish, but the margin remained slim, leaving the door open for Portland’s guards to change the game late.
Fourth Quarter
Portland delivered the decisive stretch in the fourth, outscoring San Antonio 27-23. Henderson’s scoring gave the Trail Blazers needed shot creation, and Portland’s perimeter efficiency proved important in a game that stayed within one or two possessions through the closing minutes.
Key performers
Portland Trail Blazers:
Scoot Henderson led all scorers with 31 points, providing the offensive lift Portland needed in a close road playoff game. Jrue Holiday added playmaking value with nine assists, helping organize the attack, while Donovan Clingan finished with 11 rebounds to anchor the interior.
San Antonio Spurs:
Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 18 points and added five assists. Devin Vassell turned in a well-rounded effort with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and three steals, giving San Antonio important two-way production. Still, the Spurs could not find enough long-range scoring to hold their late edge.
NerdSports Stat: Portland won this game despite shooting just 42.2% from the field because its 13 made threes were six more than San Antonio’s total, a decisive 18-point gap from beyond the arc in a three-point final.
Game analysis
This game came down to shot distribution and late-game execution. The teams were nearly even in rebounds, field goals made, and overall flow, but Portland created a meaningful advantage from three-point range. The Trail Blazers went 13-for-38 from deep, while San Antonio finished 7-for-24, and that difference helped offset the Spurs’ small edge in overall field-goal percentage.
Free throws also played a role, though neither team was dominant there. San Antonio went 20-for-28 at the line, while Portland finished 17-for-23. The Spurs had opportunities to build a cushion but never extended the lead far enough to make Portland chase the game from behind for long stretches.
For San Antonio, the offensive balance was there, but the finishing kick was not. The Spurs scored 28 and 29 points in the first two quarters, then managed only 46 points in the second half. Portland, meanwhile, stayed close throughout and had the cleaner final quarter, which is often the difference in a playoff game this tight.
Closing context
With the result, the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series is tied 1-1. Portland improved to 42-40 overall and earned a valuable road win, while San Antonio moved to 62-20 and missed a chance to take a two-game series lead at home. The series now shifts with renewed pressure on both sides after a tightly contested split through two games.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 106-103 on April 21, 2026.
Scoot Henderson scored 31 points on 42.2% shooting.
After the win, Portland Trail Blazers sits 42-40 in the Western Conference.
Scoot Henderson was the standout performer with 31 points, leading all scorers in Portland’s road win.
