NBA: Spurs storm past Blazers in Victor Wembanyama's return

Spurs Rally Past Trail Blazers, Take 3-1 Series Lead

De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points, and Victor Wembanyama added 27 in his return from concussion protocol as the visiting San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-93 in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday.

Fox shot 11 of 17 from the field and knocked down four 3-pointers, helping San Antonio overcome a 19-point deficit and seize a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 will be played Tuesday in San Antonio.

After missing Game 3, Wembanyama made an immediate impact on defense, finishing with 11 rebounds, seven blocks, and four steals. Stephon Castle contributed 16 points and eight assists while battling a left hand injury and foul trouble, while Devin Vassell added 11 points.

San Antonio dominated the second half, outscoring Portland 73-35. Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 26 points, Jrue Holiday scored 20, and Jerami Grant added 17 off the bench.

Tied 74-74 entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs broke the game open with a 27-7 run. Castle connected with Wembanyama for three alley-oop dunks, while Fox added multiple jumpers and a three-pointer to extend the lead. Keldon Johnson also contributed key scoring late as San Antonio pulled away.

Rockets Stay Alive, Rout Lakers 115-96

Amen Thompson scored 23 points and Tari Eason added 20 as the Houston Rockets avoided elimination with a dominant win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series.

Houston delivered a balanced offensive effort, with all five starters scoring in double figures. Reed Sheppard added 17 points on 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range, while Alperen Sengun finished with 19 points and Jabari Smith Jr. added 16.

The Rockets played without Kevin Durant for the third straight game due to an ankle injury.

For the Lakers, LeBron James and Marcus Smart struggled, combining for just 19 points on 5-of-17 shooting. Deandre Ayton recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds before being ejected in the third quarter.

Raptors Edge Cavaliers, Even Series 2-2

Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes each scored 23 points as the Toronto Raptors held off the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-89 to tie their first-round series at 2-2.

Barnes added nine rebounds, six assists, and three blocks, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter and hitting all six free throws in the final 34.6 seconds. RJ Barrett contributed 18 points, while Collin Murray-Boyles added 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 20 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter. James Harden scored 19 but committed seven turnovers. Jarrett Allen finished with three points and a game-high 15 rebounds, while Sam Merrill added 14 points.

Celtics Crush 76ers, Move One Win From Series Victory

Payton Pritchard scored a career playoff-high 32 points off the bench as the Boston Celtics rolled past the Philadelphia 76ers 128-96 to take a 3-1 series lead.

Jayson Tatum led the starters with 30 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, while Jaylen Brown added 20 points and seven rebounds. Boston now leads the best-of-seven series and can close it out in Game 5 on Tuesday in Boston.

Joel Embiid returned for Philadelphia after recovering from an appendectomy, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in 34 minutes. Tyrese Maxey added 22 points, and Paul George scored 16 in the loss.

— Field Level Media / Reuters