Wembanyama scores 35 points in playoff debut as Spurs roll past Trail Blazers 111-98

The 7-foot-4 rookie sensation sets Spurs franchise record for most points in a playoff debut.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:51am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the explosive power and grace of a basketball player soaring through the air for a powerful slam dunk, conceptually representing Victor Wembanyama's dominant performance in his playoff debut for the San Antonio Spurs.Wembanyama's electrifying playoff debut sparks Spurs' return to the postseason spotlight.San Antonio Today

Victor Wembanyama scored 35 points in his playoff debut, setting a Spurs franchise record, as San Antonio rolled to a 111-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series. Wembanyama's 21 first-half points were the most in the opening half of an NBA playoff debut since 1997. Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox each added 17 points for the Spurs, while Deni Avdija had 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead Portland.

Why it matters

Wembanyama's dominant playoff debut showcases the immense talent and potential of the 7-foot-4 rookie, who is a finalist for both the NBA's MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The Spurs' return to the playoffs after a six-year drought has reinvigorated the franchise and its fanbase, who are dreaming big with Wembanyama leading the way.

The details

Wembanyama set an NBA record for the most points scored in the opening half of a playoff debut since 1997, pouring in 21 first-half points. He finished with 35 total, surpassing Tim Duncan's previous Spurs franchise record of 32 points in a playoff debut. Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox each added 17 points and 15 combined assists for San Antonio. Deni Avdija led Portland with 30 points and 10 rebounds, while Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 overall pick in 2023, added 18 points.

  • The Spurs' first playoff appearance since 2019 came on Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2026 in San Antonio.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 7-foot-4 rookie sensation who is a finalist for the NBA's MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Stephon Castle

A Spurs guard who scored 17 points and had 15 assists in the Game 1 win.

De'Aaron Fox

A Spurs guard who scored 17 points and had 15 assists in the Game 1 win.

Deni Avdija

A Trail Blazers forward who led Portland with 30 points and 10 rebounds in the Game 1 loss.

Scoot Henderson

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, who scored 18 points for the Trail Blazers in the Game 1 defeat.

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What’s next

Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2026 in San Antonio before the series heads to Portland for Games 3 and 4.

The takeaway

Victor Wembanyama's dominant playoff debut has reinvigorated the Spurs franchise and its fanbase, who are dreaming big with the 7-foot-4 rookie leading the way. Wembanyama's historic performance showcases his immense talent and potential, and sets the stage for an exciting playoff run for San Antonio.