Scoot Henderson delivered a standout performance, pouring in 31 points as the Portland Trail Blazers capitalized on a misfortune for the San Antonio Spurs and secured a 106-103 win, leveling the Western Conference playoff series at one game each. The turning point came early in the second quarter when Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama was knocked down face‑first after a foul by Jrue Holiday. The impact of the fall sent his jaw into the hardwood, prompting immediate medical attention.
Following the incident, Wembanyama was placed into the NBA's concussion protocol, a precautionary measure that could sideline the 7‑foot‑4‑inch phenom for multiple contests. The next game in the best‑of‑seven series is slated for Friday, and the Spurs will have to navigate the remainder of the series without their star center unless he clears the rigorous health standards set by the league.
Under the current concussion guidelines, any player who enters the protocol must observe a minimum 48‑hour period of rest and recovery. After that, they must pass a series of neurological assessments and demonstrate symptom‑free performance on a range of benchmarks before receiving clearance to return. The final decision rests with a team physician in consultation with the NBA's concussion protocol director.
"He has a concussion. He's in the protocol. We'll take the proper and appropriate steps," Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed, emphasizing the team's commitment to player safety. "The protocol is the protocol.
We'll just follow it as everyone else does and plan accordingly." Beyond the Wembanyama incident, the night featured a host of other NBA news items. The NBA All‑Star Game will see a novel format where Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and LeBron James will be teamed up as part of an "older US team." In other health‑related headlines, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Jokić (note: the original text mentioned Nikola Topic, likely a mistake) was diagnosed with testicular cancer and has begun chemotherapy.
Denver Nuggets center DeAndre Jordan discussed his recent shift to a plant‑based diet and his involvement with the Green Action League, while Stephen Curry reflected on his early career challenges, noting that he was once deemed undersized and failed an eye‑test before developing the mindset that propelled him to greatness. In the WNBA, the Las Vegas Aces clinched a Game Four victory over the New York Liberty, retaining their title. Additionally, Bronny James was discharged from the hospital after a cardiac arrest during a training session, with his cardiologist confirming his recovery. Back on the court, the Spurs, despite missing Wembanyama, managed to build a 14‑point cushion early in the fourth quarter.
However, Portland's defense tightened, and the Blazers went on an 11‑2 run that erased the lead. With just 12 seconds left, Robert Williams III completed an alley‑oop dunk after Deni Avdija drove through the paint and fed him the ball, giving Portland a 104‑101 advantage that they held onto for the win. In another first‑round matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers, shorthanded but resilient, defeated the Houston Rockets 101‑94, taking a 2‑0 series lead. LeBron James contributed 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while veteran guard Marcus Smart added 25 points and seven assists.
The Lakers have previously overcome the absences of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves with collective effort, and they repeated that formula in game two despite Kevin Durant's return for the opposing team. Durant managed only three of his 23 points after halftime, as the Lakers' defense forced him into low‑percentage shots. Luke Kennard chipped in 23 points for Los Angeles, and a late‑game dunk by James, set up by Smart, helped seal the victory.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics battled to a 111‑97 win for Philadelphia, tying their series at one apiece. VJ Edgecombe displayed toughness, scoring 30 points and pulling down 10 rebounds while playing through pain from an early‑game fall.
He also knocked down six of the 76ers' 19 three‑pointers. The Celtics briefly narrowed a seven‑point deficit early in the fourth quarter, but a decisive 11‑0 run by Philadelphia restored a comfortable lead.
With just over four minutes left, the 76ers led 102‑89, prompting Boston to pull its starters with a little more than a minute remaining. Fans can continue to follow the 2026 NBA playoffs live on Sky Sports, with the next action featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder versus the Phoenix Suns scheduled for 3 a.m.
Thursday on Sky Sports Main Event. The ongoing series promise more drama, especially as teams adjust to injuries, health protocols, and the high stakes of postseason basketball.