Wembanyama injured! Yang Hansen didn't play, Henderson scored 31 points, Trail Blazers beat Spurs to tie series 1-1

On April 22, in the NBA Western Conference playoffs Game 2, the Trail Blazers narrowly defeated the Spurs 106-103 on the road, tying the series at 1-1. Yang Hansen did not get playing time, while Wembanyama only scored 5 points and grabbed 4 rebounds, exiting the game in the second quarter due to a concussion.

For the Spurs: Castle had 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists; Fox had 17 points, 4 assists, 3 steals; Vassell had 16 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals; Kornet had 10 points, 9 rebounds; Harper had 10 points. For the Trail Blazers: Henderson scored 31 points; Holiday had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 blocks; Avdija had 14 points; Williams had 11 points, 9 rebounds; Kamara had 10 points, 8 rebounds; Clingan had 9 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks.

In the first quarter, both teams started tied at 4-4. Avdija, Clingan, and Henderson hit consecutive three-pointers, and the Trail Blazers used a sharp barrage of threes to open a 22-9 lead. Kornet and Vassell combined to score, Castle hit two three-pointers from outside, and Vassell also scored from mid-range. The Spurs effectively combined inside and outside play to turn the tide, leading 28-27 at the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter, with 8:57 remaining, Wembanyama was fouled during a drive and his face hit the ground hard. After a brief pause, he could not continue and returned to the locker room, entering concussion protocol and leaving the game early. The teams then tied at 42-42. Harper drove for a layup, Champagnie showed his power with a long-range shot, and Bryant hit a three-pointer; Henderson and Holiday combined to score, and Avdija completed a 2+1 to help the Trail Blazers respond. The quarter ended tied at 57-57.

In the third quarter, the score seesawed and remained tight, reaching 70-70 again. Castle completed a 2+1, Champagnie and Harper succeeded in attacking the basket, and Kornet hit a jump shot from the free-throw line; Avdija and Henderson combined to score on the court, helping the Trail Blazers respond effectively. The game remained closely contested, and the Spurs led 80-79 at the end of the quarter.

In the final quarter, Vassell scored on a free-throw line jump shot, Fox and Kornet both completed 2+1 plays, and the Spurs launched a 13-0 run to open a 93-79 lead. Kamara and Holiday scored inside, then Kamara and Holiday fired from outside, Holiday hit a floater inside, and Henderson also sank a three-pointer, bringing the Trail Blazers back to 100-101. After Holiday's put-back succeeded, the Trail Blazers reversed the lead to 102-101. Rui Williams dunked but missed the free throw, giving the Trail Blazers a 3-point advantage. The Trail Blazers then intentionally fouled, sending the game into a "free-throw battle," but ultimately the Trail Blazers won 106-103.

Starting Lineups

Spurs: Vassell, Champagnie, Wembanyama, Fox, Castle

Trail Blazers: Avdija, Kamara, Clingan, Henderson, Holiday