Wembanyama guides Spurs to first playoff series win in nine years

Victor Wembanyama delivered a double-double as the Spurs defeated Portland 114-95 to win their playoff series 4-1.

Spurs dominate Trail Blazers The San Antonio Spurs secured their first NBA playoff series victory in nine years with an impressive 114-95 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The victory clinched a 4-1 series win, with San Antonio leading by as many as 28 points at one stage. Victor Wembanyama contributed 17 points and 14 rebounds, while De'Aaron Fox led the team with 21 points. Six Spurs players finished the game with double-digit scoring totals. ## Wembanyama shines defensively Victor Wembanyama added six blocks to his double-double performance, reinforcing his status as the season’s unanimous Defensive Player of the Year. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praised his team’s sharpness, highlighting their consistency throughout the game. Johnson also noted that the team’s second seed in the Western Conference secures their spot in the Conference semi-finals alongside top seed Oklahoma City Thunder. ## Coaches react to series outcome Portland coach Tiago Splitter acknowledged the Spurs’ quality, stating, "They have a superstar that changed the game. They deserve it." Splitter recognized San Antonio’s dominance and the impact of Wembanyama’s performance. The Spurs will next face the winner of the Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves series, with Minnesota currently leading 3-2. ## Embiid leads Sixers fightback Joel Embiid scored 33 points as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 113-97 to cut their series deficit to 3-2. Embiid returned just days after an emergency appendectomy on April 9, finding his rhythm in the second half. The Sixers need a win in Game 6 to force a deciding Game 7 in Boston on Saturday. Embiid emphasized the need for collective effort, saying, "We’re going to need everybody to come back to Boston." ## Knicks edge closer to semifinals The New York Knicks took a 3-2 series lead over the Atlanta Hawks with a 126-97 home victory. Jalen Brunson scored 17 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter to maintain the Knicks’ advantage. Teammate OG Anunoby contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds. If Atlanta wins their next home game, the series will head to a deciding Game 7 in New York on Saturday.