The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 120-108 on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series, with Stephon Castle leading all scorers with 33 points as San Antonio erased a halftime deficit and took control after the break at Moda Center.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter
Portland opened with the sharper start and carried a 29-27 edge after one. The Trail Blazers got early production from Jrue Holiday, while San Antonio stayed close behind efficient half-court offense and steady shot-making.
Second Quarter
The Trail Blazers extended the margin in the second, outscoring the Spurs 36-32 to take a 65-59 lead into halftime. Portland was able to generate enough offense from the perimeter and at the foul line, but San Antonio kept the game within reach by avoiding a major runout.
Third Quarter
The game shifted in the third. San Antonio outscored Portland 29-22, tightening up defensively and improving its execution in the half court. The Spurs cut into the deficit possession by possession and entered the fourth quarter trailing by just one point, 87-88.
Fourth Quarter
San Antonio delivered its best stretch in the final period, outscoring Portland 32-21 to come away with the win. The Spurs controlled the closing minutes with timely three-point shooting, better ball movement, and a consistent edge on the glass, while the Trail Blazers struggled to match that pace late.
Key Performers
Stephon Castle, Spurs: Castle led all scorers with 33 points and set the tone for San Antonio’s comeback. His scoring gave the Spurs a reliable option as the game tightened in the second half.
Dylan Harper, Spurs: Harper added 27 points and 10 rebounds, giving San Antonio a major lift on both ends. His all-around production helped the Spurs maintain pressure even while playing from behind early.
De’Aaron Fox, Spurs: Fox paced San Antonio with 6 assists as the Spurs finished with 27 team assists. His playmaking helped unlock clean looks during the decisive final quarter.
Jrue Holiday, Trail Blazers: Holiday led Portland with 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. He was the Trail Blazers’ most productive scorer throughout the night and helped Portland build its halftime advantage.
Donovan Clingan, Trail Blazers: Clingan finished with a team-high 11 rebounds, giving Portland needed interior work, but the Blazers were still edged 50-45 on the boards overall.
Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers: Avdija contributed 9 assists and helped Portland’s offense stay organized for stretches, especially in the first half.
NerdSports Stat: Portland led by six at halftime, but San Antonio flipped the game with a 61-43 second half while shooting 48.5% from three for the night and finishing plus-5 in rebounds and plus-6 in assists.
Game Analysis
This game turned on San Antonio’s efficiency and late-game execution. The Spurs shot 47.1% from the field and 48.5% from three-point range, knocking down 16 of 33 from deep. Portland finished at 41.1% overall and 36.8% from beyond the arc, a solid number from three but not enough to offset the difference in overall shot quality.
The rebounding margin also mattered. San Antonio collected 50 rebounds to Portland’s 45, giving itself extra chances and limiting second opportunities for the home team. The Spurs also moved the ball more consistently, finishing with 27 assists compared with Portland’s 21.
Free throws played a role as well. San Antonio went 22-for-28 at the line, while Portland finished 20-for-29. In a game that was tight entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs’ cleaner finish in the final 12 minutes made the difference.
For Portland, the first half offered plenty to build on, especially after putting up 65 points before the break. But the offense slowed in the second half, with just 43 points over the final two quarters. Against a disciplined Spurs team, that dip proved costly.
Closing Context
With the result, San Antonio takes a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series. The Spurs, who finished the regular season 62-20, regained home-court control with the road win, while Portland now faces added pressure going into Game 4 after letting a halftime lead slip away at Moda Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
San Antonio Spurs defeated Portland Trail Blazers 120-108 on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Stephon Castle scored 33 points on shooting not available in the provided game data.
After the win, San Antonio Spurs sits 62-20 in the Western Conference.
Stephon Castle was the standout performer with 33 points, leading all scorers as San Antonio completed its second-half comeback.
