Victor Wembanyama Cleared for Game 4 Return as Spurs Look to Seize Control vs. Trail Blazers The San Antonio Spurs received a major boost ahead of Game 4 in their first-round matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers, as Victor Wembanyama has officially been cleared to return from the NBA’s concussion protocol. Wembanyama’s return comes at a pivotal moment in the series. The Spurs currently hold a 2–1 lead after an impressive Game 3 comeback victory, achieved without their All-Star centerpiece. The 7-foot-4 phenom had been sidelined since suffering a concussion in Game 2, when he hit his face hard on the floor during a loss that briefly shifted momentum toward Portland. Despite pushing to suit up for Game 3, Wembanyama was not medically cleared in time. San Antonio instead leaned on its depth, with Luke Kornet stepping into the starting lineup and rookie Carter Bryant providing valuable minutes off the bench. Their collective effort helped stabilize the interior and allowed the Spurs to rally in the second half, reclaiming control of the series. Now, with Wembanyama set to return, San Antonio regains its most impactful two-way player. His presence alters the game on both ends of the floor—protecting the rim defensively while stretching defenses with his scoring versatility. Against a Portland team still searching for consistency, his return could tilt the series further in the Spurs’ favor. Spurs have their MVP back For the Trail Blazers, the challenge becomes significantly tougher. Containing Wembanyama requires physicality and discipline, especially given his ability to score inside and out. Portland showed resilience in Game 2 but struggled to maintain that level of execution in Game 3, particularly down the stretch. Game 4 now presents a critical juncture. The Spurs will take on the Trail Blazers with their first-round playoff series at 2-1 in favor of San Antonio. Before tip at 3:30 p.m. ET, however, the team had to make a decision on the status of Victor Wembanyama. The superstar big man suffered a concussion in the first half of Game 2 after taking a nasty fall on the court. He missed the rest of that contest, which turned into a Portland victory, as well as Game 3. The Spurs managed a win to take the lead in the series without Wemby on the floor—and now should see him back in action on Sunday. Just before tip of Game 4, San Antonio announced Wembanyama was available to play. The Defensive Player of the Year was questionable leading into the contest, as he was on Friday before being ruled out for Game 3. Wembanyama had 35 points in 33 minutes in Game 1 of this series, his official playoff debut in his third NBA season. The Spurs star averaged 25.0 points, 11.2 rebounds and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game in 2025–26. San Antonio will be extremely glad to have him back, as will the rest of the league’s viewing population who love to marvel at what the young superstar can do on the court. Wembanyama returns with the chance to put his team up 3-1 with the series headed back to Texas. What Wembanyama’s return means for Spurs-Blazers series It’s obviously an exceptionally positive development for San Antonio that Wembanyama will return to the floor after missing only one game. Concussions are both scary and unpredictable in equal measure. Nobody had any idea how much time he’d miss after going down in Game 2, and an extended absence would have completely changed the shape of this year’s championship race both in and outside of San Antonio. It’s great news that he is ready to go already. In the more narrow view, the Spurs didn’t really require him to win in Portland. They emerged victorious in Game 3 thanks to other young talents in Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper stepping up big-time. Victor Wembanyama returns from concussion, helps lead Spurs from 19 down past Trail Blazers for 3-1 lead Victor Wembanyama was cleared from concussion protocol just before Sunday’s Game 4 between the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers. He looked little worse for wear from his injury and helped lead the Spurs to a 114-93 win. The victory didn’t initially come easy for San Antonio, which trailed 58-39 in the first half and went into the break behind 58-41. Spurs dominate after halftime But the Spurs dominated the second half with a 73-35 advantage as De’Aaron Fox took over on offense and Portland’s offense broke down against a smothering San Antonio defense. The Spurs scored 13 straight points to start the third quarter to spark the comeback. They took a 76-74 lead early in the fourth quarter on a Wembanyama alley-oop from Stephon Castle and never relinquished it. With the win, the Spurs take a 3-1 lead in the series. They’ll return home to San Antonio for Game 5 on Tuesday with a chance to close out the series and advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs. Late skirmish involving Castle, Avdija Tensions boiled over late, and Castle and Portland’s Deni Avdija traded shoves after a late Spurs bucket. Each player was assessed a technical foul, and the game moved forward without further incident. Wembanyama finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds, 7 blocks, 4 steals and 3 assists. His defensive presence helped shut down Portland’s offense after halftime. Fox, meanwhile, finished with a game-high 28 points alongside 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 steal. He shot 11 of 17 from the field and 4 of 8 from 3. Wemby’s status was uncertain until game time Wembanyama sustained a concussion after hitting his chin hard on the floor during San Antonio’s Game 2 loss on Tuesday. He was placed in concussion protocol during the game and was later diagnosed with a concussion.
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