Despite a 1-1 series deadlock and the absence of their top defensive player and MVP contender Victor Wembanyama due to concussion protocols, the San Antonio Spurs secured an away victory in Game 3, triumphing over the Portland Trail Blazers with a score of 120-108.
Below are three essential observations from the third game:
Novice player dominance
Dylan Harper managed only five points by halftime. He then exploded for 22 points in the second half, concluding the game with 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting — comprising 4-of-5 from three-point range and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line — achieving a game-best plus-24 rating. Harper aggressively countered Portland’s defensive closeouts, sinking shots with assurance, executing swift, definite choices, and completing plays amidst congestion. His performance was extraordinary, establishing him as the NBA’s second-youngest player ever to achieve 20 points in a playoff match as a reserve. Furthermore, he is the fourth rookie to tally 25 points and 10 rebounds while coming off the bench in a postseason contest.
Though Carter Bryant contributed minimally to the score, his impact was palpable. He shot 1-for-5, concluding with three points. Additionally, he recorded 4 blocks, secured 6 rebounds, and ended the game with a plus-17 rating. Bryant’s tenacious effort on the boards resulted in four offensive rebounds, and his defensive prowess served as the crucial barrier the Spurs required in Wembanyama’s absence. Mitch Johnson’s choice to rely on both players during the latter half of a playoff away game underscores their growth and significant contribution.
Sophomore guard Stephon Castle was the primary catalyst, leading the Spurs with 33 points (10-18 field goals, 3-4 three-pointers, 10-11 free throws) and five assists. Castle spearheaded the Spurs’ offense with 11 points in the final quarter and demonstrated relentless offensive focus throughout the entire game.
Mitch Johnson’s tactical shift secured victory in the latter half
Portland held a six-point advantage at intermission and appeared to be the superior squad. Subsequently, Johnson opted for a smaller lineup. Fueled by Harper’s explosive offense and the reliance on Bryant and Keldon Johnson, the Spurs’ reserves injected the physical and defensive intensity that had been lacking in the initial half. This group collectively achieved a +61 rating for the contest.
Collectively, that smaller lineup altered Portland’s strategies near the basket, compelled them into difficult shots, and caused discomfort for the Blazers’ auxiliary players in half-court sets during the entire second half. San Antonio surpassed Portland in scoring 61-43 following the intermission.
Amidst the second-half supremacy, Luke Kornet performed commendably in Wembanyama’s stead. The Spurs boasted a 20-5 regular season record when Kornet started, indicating this situation was not new. His performance was stellar, as he converted 6-for-9 from the field, contributing 14 points along with 10 rebounds (5 on offense). Nearly half of the Spurs’ 22 second-chance points came in the third and fourth periods, illustrating how this elevated exertion allowed them to seize control in the middle of the third quarter and maintain their lead.
Portland exhausted its solutions
Holiday and Henderson were instrumental in Portland’s halftime lead. They collectively amassed more than 31 points in the first half, demonstrating effective shooting with 12-for-19 from the field and 7-for-11 from beyond the arc. Center Robert Williams III also distinguished himself, concluding with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks over 25 minutes as a reserve. While Williams maintained his steady play, the remainder of his squad experienced a significant scoring slump.
Portland’s three-point shooting suffered in the second half, converting only 4-of-17 attempts, with a mere 1-of-7 coming in the fourth quarter. A team that accumulated 65 points over the initial two quarters could only muster 43 in the concluding two. Deni Avdija serves as a prime illustration, ending the game with 19 points (3-15 field goals, 12-16 free throws) and nine assists, yet managing only 2-for-7 from the field in the second half.
During the last two periods, the Blazers achieved 36% from the field, 24% from three-point range, and 7-of-12 from the charity stripe. Their bench strength proved inadequate against Harper’s dominant performance, as he alone matched twice the scoring contribution of the entire Blazers bench in the latter half. Interim head coach Tiago Splitter needs to refine his player rotations (favoring more Robert Williams III, less Donovan Clingan), and Portland’s supplementary players must enhance their offensive input.
