Scoot Henderson delivered a 31‑point performance and the Portland Trail Blazers capitalized on a mishap to Spurs' marquee player Victor Wembanyama, pulling off a 106‑103 win that leveled the Western Conference playoff series at one game each. The turning point came early in the second quarter when Wembanyama, after being fouled by Jrue Holiday, fell forward and struck his jaw on the hardwood.
The impact forced the 7‑foot‑4 center into the NBA's concussion protocol, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming contests in the best‑of‑seven series, with Game Three scheduled for Friday. According to league rules, any player placed in the concussion protocol must observe a minimum 48‑hour period of rest and recovery. After that, the athlete must clear a series of symptom‑free benchmarks, undergo comprehensive neurological testing, and receive final clearance from the team physician in consultation with the league’s concussion protocol director before being cleared to suit up again. Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed the situation, stating, "He has a concussion.
He's in the protocol. We'll take the proper and appropriate steps.
The protocol is the protocol. We'll just follow it as everyone else does and plan accordingly." Portland seized the momentum created by Wembanyama's absence. After building a modest lead early in the fourth quarter, the Spurs appeared poised to win despite missing their star.
However, the Blazers' defense tightened, holding San Antonio scoreless for the final three and a half minutes. An 11‑2 run capped the comeback, highlighted by Robert Williams III's alley‑oop dunk with 12 seconds left, which pushed Portland ahead 104‑101 after a decisive feed from Deni Avdija.
The broader playoff landscape featured several notable storylines. In Los Angeles, a short‑handed Lakers squad, led by LeBron James' 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, defeated the Houston Rockets 101‑94, taking a commanding 2‑0 series lead. Veteran forward Marcus Smart contributed 25 points and seven assists, underscoring the team's depth that has repeatedly compensated for the occasional absence of stars like Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Kevin Durant returned for the Boston Celtics in their matchup against the Lakers, but managed only three of his 23 points after halftime as the Lakers' defense proved relentless. Luke Kennard added 23 points for Los Angeles, and a late‑game dunk by James, set up by Smart, helped seal the victory. On the East Coast, the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics split their opening games, with Philadelphia prevailing 111‑97 to even the series. VJ Edgecombe powered the Sixers with 30 points and 10 rebounds, battling through pain after an early fall and sinking six of the team's 19 three‑pointers.
Boston briefly narrowed the gap to a two‑point deficit early in the fourth quarter, but a decisive 11‑0 run by Philadelphia restored a comfortable lead, allowing the Celtics to pull their starters with just over a minute left. Beyond the court, the NBA continues to highlight personal stories and health updates. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James are slated to join an "older US team" for the NBA All‑Star Game under a new format, while Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
Former center DeAndre Jordan has embraced a plant‑based lifestyle, partnering with the Green Action League to promote sustainability. Additionally, Stephen Curry reflected on his early challenges, noting that despite being considered undersized and failing an eye test, his mindset propelled him to greatness.
In the WNBA, the Las Vegas Aces secured a Game Four win over the New York Liberty, retaining their title. Meanwhile, Bronny James was discharged from the hospital after a cardiac arrest during a training session, with his cardiologist confirming his stable condition. Looking ahead, fans can tune in to the 2026 NBA playoffs on Sky Sports, which will feature a clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns on Sky Sports Main Event at 3 a.m.
on Thursday. The continuation of the postseason promises further drama, especially as the Spurs await updates on Wembanyma's health and the potential impact his return—or continued absence—will have on the series against Portland.