The San Antonio Spurs cruised past the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of their first-round matchup, and Victor Wembanyama led the way.
The San Antonio Spurs haven't made the playoffs since 2019, but it looked like they hadn't missed a beat in their Game 1 win, topping the Portland Trail Blazers 111-98. The Spurs, of course, were heavy favorites heading into the matchup, and a dominant second half sealed the deal.
Devin Vassell got hot, Stephon Castle played stifling defense, and Victor Wembanyama put on a masterclass. In front of a rabid fan base, the Spurs didn't disappoint, and look like title contenders heading into the rest of the series.
The Spurs led by 16 in the first half before allowing Portland to get back within a single possession, and then Vassell put the team on his shoulders in the third, with Wembanyama closing the game out.
Victor Wembanyama Toppled Tim Duncan's Record
The Spurs don't have a shortage of playoff legends. David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard, and Danny Green all had their elite games and moments, but Wembanyama stands alone.
He finished with 35 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. His 35 was the most in a playoff debut in franchise history, besting Duncan's mark of 32 points set in 1998.
On top of Wembanyama's stellar play, the Spurs enjoyed 15 points from Vassell, 17 from Stephon Castle, 17 points from De'Aaron Fox, and a very productive ten points and six rebounds from Luke Kornet off the bench.
Not bad for a team with no playoff experience!
While Wembanyama's stat line may have stolen the show, the Spurs' faithful were decked out in Fiesta colors, Duncan, Robinson, Ginobili, and Gregg Popovich were in the building, and NBA fever is running hot in San Antonio.
While Portland's comeback effort was stifled, Deni Avdija scored 30 in his playoff debut. Avdija, dubbed "the head of the snake" by Dylan Harper, is Portland's key to making this series competitive. He only got to the free-throw line six times, as Castle, Vassell, and Julian Champagnie all did a solid job of containing him.
The Spurs will remain at home on Tuesday for Game 2, enjoying a day off on Monday to recover from this game and prepare for the next one. The NBA record for points in a playoff debut is Luka Doncic's 42, in 2020 against the LA Clippers. Wembanyama came just short, but being sandwiched between Duncan and Doncic is elite company.