No Wemby, no problem: 3 takeaways from the Spurs' Game 3 win over the Trail Blazers
Here's how the Spurs took a 2-1 series lead without superstar Victor Wembanyama.
With the series tied 1-1 and their Defensive Player of the Year and MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama sidelined in concussion protocol, the San Antonio Spurs took Game 3 on the road, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 120-108. Here are three key takeaways from Game 3: Rookie takeover Dylan Harper had just 5 points at halftime. He scored 22 in the second half, finishing with 27 on 9-of-12 shooting — 4-of-5 from 3, 5-of-6 from the line — and a game-high plus-24.
He attacked Portland's closeouts, knocking down shots with confidence, making quick, decisive reads and finishing in traffic. He was unbelievable, becoming the second-youngest player in NBA history to score 20 points in a playoff game coming off the bench. Oh, and he’s the fourth rookie to have 25 points and 10 rebounds off the bench in a playoff game.
DYLAN HARPER 🤯 @DwyaneWade and @Candace_Parker couldn't believe this dunk from the @spurs rookie 😲 pic. twitter. com/95EVLhwxjo — NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) April 25, 2026 Carter Bryant didn't score, but he made his presence felt.
He went 1-for-5 and finished with 3 points. He also had 4 blocks, 6 rebounds and closed the game plus-17. Bryant’s scrappiness on the glass led to four offensive rebounds and his defense was the deterrent the Spurs needed without Wembanyama.