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00:17Продолжение следует...
00:38It's Game 4 between the Blazers and the Spurs here at Moda Center.
00:44Portland 0-12 all-time in playoff series when trailing three games to one.
00:49So it needs a win to it, nothing else, and sure another home game.
00:53Victor Wembenyama out for Game 3 but in for Game 4, making his road playoff debut.
01:00Let's go!
01:04The winner of this series will face either Denver or Minnesota.
01:08The Wolves lead three games to one, but injuries to DiVincenzo Anthony Edwards.
01:13An uncertain future for the Wolves in this series.
01:16The Lakers go for the sweep tonight over Houston.
01:20OKC looks to break out the brooms tomorrow against Phoenix.
01:23Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, and Malika Andrews with you.
01:26So Victor Wembenyama, who missed Game 3, is back.
01:28He had that historic Game 1 with 35 points.
01:32Doris, what's the expectation for him today?
01:34Well, he's a massive presence on both sides of the floor.
01:37If you're trying to execute offense, he changes everything you think.
01:41Shot location, willingness to foray into the paint,
01:44and then once you get there, you're meeting incredible size.
01:47And obviously, what he did on the offensive end is so special in Game 1.
01:51Meanwhile, for Portland, Denny Obdia, who is an all-star this year,
01:55was great in the play-in to get here.
01:57He had 41 points, terrific in Game 1.
01:59The number's not very good the last two games.
02:01Well, breakout season, he's a dynamic driver, gets to the free throw line a ton,
02:05but the Spurs have turned up the pressure defensively.
02:07So I think he has got to be willing to get off it early and come back to it,
02:11change the way you're playing against a defense loaded toward you.
02:23Game 5 will be Tuesday night in San Antonio.
02:26If necessary, the series would come back to Moda Center for Game 6 on Thursday.
02:34Take a look at the starting lineups.
02:37For San Antonio, with Wendon Yama back, Luke Cornett will return to the bench.
02:42He was great, though, in Game 3 for San Antonio.
02:46Fox, Castle, Vassell, and Champagny, the other San Antonio starters.
02:51Dylan Harper, terrific game off the bench in Game 3.
02:55And Portland, the usual 5, of Obdia, Kamara, Klingon, Holiday, and Scoot Henderson.
03:06First road game for Victor Wendon Yama in his three-year career in the playoffs.
03:15Clearing concussion protocol earlier today to be available for Game 4.
03:36He will jump it up with Klingon in the center circle to get us going.
03:40Zach Zarba, Justin Van Dyne, and Andy Nagy, our officiating crew.
03:46Zarba's worked almost 200 playoff games in his outstanding career as the crew chief.
03:54Well, once again, they start the game with Klingon in the center, checking Stephon Castle.
04:03Here's Wendon Yama, he'll let it fly from deep, and he's short.
04:06He was 5 of 6 from 3 in Game 1.
04:12Obdia, blocked by Wendon Yama to count the basket.
04:17Goaltending on the big guy.
04:19Well, good start.
04:20You push the pace, you get the ball to your best player,
04:23with a head of steam and one defender in front,
04:26and obviously Wendon Yama, a touch late.
04:30Obdia just 3-4-15 in Game 3.
04:33Castle through the lane.
04:35So good for the mid-range.
04:37Lobs it up.
04:37Wendon Yama missed it with a smaller defender on him.
04:43Obdia is among the NBA leaders in drives.
04:45They want him to kick it out a little bit more,
04:47and he did that time to Henderson
04:49rather than force it downhill when it's not there.
04:57Henderson with a shot clock at 4.
04:59Now Kamara has to let it go,
05:02and he does, banking it in to make it 4-0,
05:04going to the right hand.
05:06So Kamara, known as a defensive player,
05:08but he averaged 12 points,
05:10and that's dipped significantly in the playoffs.
05:14Good start for him as well.
05:17Castle will try a 3 and knock it down.
05:20So again, that's their center,
05:22giving him a lot of cushion,
05:23but he is stepping up confidently.
05:26Kamara answers with a 3 of his own.
05:31Kamara's already got more points
05:33in the first 2 minutes than he had all of Game 3.
05:38Turnover by Fox, Portland ball.
05:41Well, did they actually get him for a foul there
05:44on the comeback as Drew pushed him?
05:47No.
05:47Nope.
05:48Just a turnover.
05:49Portland ball.
05:50Blazers off to a good start.
05:513 of 3 from the floor.
05:531 of 1 from deep.
05:55Here's Henderson driving.
05:57Stops, pops.
05:58Way off the mark.
05:59Rebounded by Kamara.
06:01Shot clock doesn't reset.
06:03Ball didn't hit the rim.
06:04Holiday in the lane.
06:05And that was tipped by Weminyama.
06:07It looked like a pass attempt to Klingen.
06:10Ball hit the rim, so the shot clock resets.
06:12Then Klingen inside, scores as Weminyama loses his balance,
06:16but now they wave it off.
06:17It's a traveling violation.
06:19There's no question.
06:20He tried to bury Victor with the physicality,
06:24but watch what he does once he tries to lean in.
06:27And the pivot foot with the physicality,
06:29he loses his own balance.
06:33Castle up top finds Fox.
06:36Guarded by Holiday.
06:37Playing in his 101st NBA playoff game.
06:40Three-pointer Champagny.
06:42Around and out.
06:43Rebound Abdiya.
06:44He's a very good rebounder.
06:45Average at about seven per game during the regular season.
06:49Three-pointer Kamara short.
06:51Like contact from Fox, but marginal, so no foul is called.
07:01Here's Weminyama on the face up.
07:03Guarded by Kamara.
07:04Wemby spinning.
07:06Lays it up and in.
07:07This guy's just ridiculous.
07:08You pushed him off the box.
07:10You're trying to push him as far away,
07:11and he's got the skill and the handle to create.
07:15His first points.
07:16Now another Portland turnover.
07:17Weminyama leading the break.
07:20Not going to wait for a guard.
07:21He'll shoot for three.
07:22It's an air ball.
07:23He's 0 for 2 to start the game from deep.
07:26Let's watch the prior possession, though.
07:28Like most teams, they guard him a little bit small,
07:32try to get underneath him,
07:33but here is what happens when he gets near the rim.
07:35That smaller guard or wing can't contest.
07:39Weminyama one of four from the floor.
07:41Avdia kicks it out.
07:43Portland working it around the perimeter.
07:45The Blazers turned it over again.
07:47The third already.
07:49Fox had it blocked by Holiday,
07:51and they're going to call a foul on Fox.
07:53That's the first on the Blazers.
07:56The baseline official didn't have the foul.
07:59It was Justin Van Dyn who was on the other side of the floor who had it.
08:04I think this is appropriate, though.
08:06Fox's best attribute is a speed.
08:07There's no doubt, Drew, in trying to make a play on the ball.
08:10Too much contact.
08:13Now, De'Aaron Fox, who's had a solid series and very deferential to his teammates,
08:20in particular the younger guys so far.
08:24year eight for him in the NBA.
08:26He was in the playoffs for the Kings a few years ago.
08:28One of few guys on the San Antonio roster with postseason experience.
08:33That was one of the more memorable series of that postseason, their matchup against Golden State.
08:39Ended up losing that in seven.
08:41Now, Portland is over its last four with three turnovers, yet still a one-point lead.
08:46Three and a half minutes gone by.
08:51Kamara, angle cut off by Castle.
08:53Kamara tries again, deep in the lane.
08:56Trying to body him.
08:57Wimbanyama with the block.
08:59Klingon got it back.
09:00Shot clock at two.
09:00It's blocked again.
09:02Wimbanyama out of there with it.
09:03Ahead to Vassell.
09:06Wimbanyama draws the foul, hoists it, and they're going to say on the floor,
09:10but it is a foul nonetheless on the Blazers.
09:13It's on Kamara.
09:14His first and the second on Portland.
09:16Boy, you got to look at why Mitch Johnson believes Stefan Castle should be an all-defensive player on the
09:25other end.
09:25Watch the level of physicality.
09:27The ability to get back to the right body position.
09:30Body up without fouling and give Victor time.
09:34Ooh, folks, that is special.
09:36Second NBA season for Castle.
09:38A turnover by the Spurs.
09:40Intercepted by Kamara.
09:44Holiday drives and kicks.
09:46Klingon corner three.
09:48And off the top of the backboard and then the shot clock.
09:51So Portland, after a hot start, can't make anything.
09:55They have missed seven in a row, yet they still have a lead.
09:59You see a frustrated Tiago splitter who has done a very good job all season long of guiding this young
10:07Portland team.
10:14Castle keeps the dribble.
10:16Abdiya defending Wembenyama now with a shot clock at eight.
10:20Wembenyama moves to his left.
10:22Gives it up.
10:23Three-pointer from Castle.
10:24Good!
10:24His second three already.
10:26You see the kind of cushion.
10:28Klingon isn't making any challenge.
10:42Victor Wembenyama is back after missing game three for the Spurs.
10:46He got the start today.
10:47And the Spurs lead it now 12-7.
10:50De'Aaron Fox with a three.
10:51Stephon Castle with 33 points.
10:54And Wembe's absence on Friday has two triples.
10:57And it's a five-point lead on 9-0 San Antonio run.
11:01Boy, Spurs now three for five from three-point territory to start this basketball game.
11:06Two of them from Stephon Castle.
11:09So Wembenyama had the 35-point game, won a historic performance,
11:14and then gets hurt in game two, doesn't play game three.
11:17What are the expectations for him today?
11:18There's a massive presence on both sides of the floor.
11:21But obviously, if you're trying to execute offense, he's changing everything you think.
11:26Shot location.
11:27Your willingness to foray into the paint.
11:29He's just a unanimous defensive player of the year because he's an absolute terror on that side of the floor.
11:40Take a look at today's star matchup brought to you by Metro by T-Mobile.
11:44We mentioned that 35-point game for Wembenyama.
11:47He had 21 in the first half, the most ever in NBA history in a playoff debut for a half.
11:53Avdia has to shoot the ball better for Portland to have a chance today.
11:57Meanwhile, let's get the entire Wembenyama timeline from Malika Andrews.
12:02Dave, thank you very much.
12:03Yeah, let's just walk through what this week has looked like for Victor Wembenyama
12:06after he suffered that concussion on Tuesday.
12:09So on Wednesday, that's about 24 hours after he was injured,
12:13he was able to do some work on the stationary bike.
12:15And then on Thursday, he added non-contact basketball activities,
12:19and he continued to ramp up Friday to the point I'm actually told, guys,
12:22the Spurs, they were hopeful that he was going to be available to play.
12:26But remember, both the Spurs medical staff and the league doctors,
12:30they both have to sign off.
12:32On today, they finally both did.
12:34I saw Victor before the game.
12:35He was all smiles, ready to go, Dave and DB.
12:38And he's already had an impact.
12:40He struggled shooting the ball early.
12:41The 0 for 2 from 3 was short on both attempts,
12:44but he does have two blocks, two assists, and two rebounds.
12:51And I think, you know, you think about the level of defensive guard play.
12:55Like, Stephon Castle already has had an impact.
12:59And, you know, he can apply great ball pressure, Stephon Castle,
13:03even if he gets beat and gets past you,
13:05and he's checking Avdia, who's going to get downhill sometimes.
13:09Wampanyama sitting in the paint still becomes a difficult thing to execute.
13:13San Antonio took game one.
13:16Portland in San Antonio.
13:18Rebounded with a game two victory.
13:20But then the Spurs won game three.
13:22Friday night here in Portland,
13:23overcoming a 15-point second-half deficit
13:27to get the victory.
13:28Let's take a look at some highlights.
13:30So this is an ISO catch on the right side of the floor.
13:33Like most teams, they're guarding him with a smaller guy
13:36and trying to get up underneath.
13:37This was the Castle defensive play against Kamara,
13:40which made him available as a shot blocker, Wemby.
13:44And then it's Castle who gets the shot block.
13:47It's his road playoff debut.
13:50Third year in the NBA.
13:51First time in the postseason.
13:53The Spurs won 62 games this year after 34 last year.
13:57No one expected this type of leap from San Antonio.
14:01Mitch Johnson, their head coach,
14:03in his first full season.
14:04There's a ton of credit for that in the Coach of the Year conversation.
14:08Obviously, you have an MVP candidate
14:10and the youngest and first unanimous defensive player of the year
14:14in NBA history.
14:15And a bright, young nucleus.
14:18Wemby-Nyama, obviously the centerpiece,
14:20but Castle, Dylan Harper, who comes off the bench,
14:23who had 27 points in the game three win,
14:2622 of those in the second half.
14:29And if you're Portland right now,
14:31as you see Dylan Harper on the bench,
14:32if you're Portland, okay, you've got to settle down.
14:35They had a stretch of possessions
14:37where it was four missed shots and three turnovers.
14:40You've got to find your footing on the offensive end
14:43starting right now.
14:46They're 0-12 in their history
14:48when they trailed three games to one,
14:49so obviously need a victory today.
14:52Another block, this time by Fox on the perimeter,
14:54and then Scoot Henderson commits the foul,
14:57his first, and the third on the Blazers.
14:59And it's not easy
15:00because this is an exceptional defensive team, San Antonio.
15:04And yes, a lot of it's Wemby-Nyama,
15:06but look at Fox.
15:08The ground covered
15:09and the ability to go up and get that shot.
15:14For those of you on ESPN2 right now,
15:16the game will continue over on ESPN.
15:18It's a five-point San Antonio lead.
15:21Here's Luke Cornett replacing Wemby-Nyama.
15:23He's played very well in this series.
15:25Short of the shot is Fox.
15:27Long rebound to Portland.
15:31And the all-star for the first time this year is fouled.
15:35That's what he does best, get into the basket.
15:38Dave, they have to play fast.
15:40This guy, downhill, is just so good at drawing contact.
15:45Size, skill, realizes it's going to be very difficult for you to stop me.
15:51Right, like, you're coming downhill full speed.
15:54That defender's trying to meet you in that moment.
15:57That is a very tough ask defensively.
16:00Mentioned an all-star, also finished third
16:02in most improved player award voting.
16:05Was just nine for 15, though, in game three.
16:08Also chipped a tooth on an elbow that he took from De'Aaron Fox.
16:14First points for Portland in more than four minutes of action.
16:18They trail by three.
16:19Champagny foul.
16:20Held is Henderson was coming around the screen set by Cornette.
16:26And so that's two quick fouls on Henderson
16:28who had 31 points in the game two win on the road.
16:32That hurts because what Portland tries to do
16:36is apply a ton of pressure as far up on the floor
16:40as they possibly can.
16:43So does that change Scoot's level of aggression?
16:46Team foul number four, Vassell, mid-range shot is good.
16:51Averaging 14 points per game in this series.
16:54Devin Vassell, sixth year out of Florida State.
16:57Abdiah coming around the Clingon screen.
17:00Kamara puts it on the floor underneath to Clingon,
17:03bumped by Cornette, and he lost the ball.
17:05Another Blazer turnover.
17:07Fox gives it right back.
17:09Now Henderson one-on-one against Castle.
17:11Can't get it to spin home underneath Clingon with the slack.
17:22already five, ten rebounds for Portland.
17:26Five on the offensive end.
17:27Castle banks it in as he hits the floor.
17:30Goodness, that Decel move so good.
17:32Абди, again, racing down floor,
17:36and Vassell knocks the pass out of play.
17:38Boy, the activity level of San Antonio
17:42on the defensive end.
17:44The swiping, the shot blocking.
17:45Good screen out top.
17:47You give Stephon a little bit of momentum.
17:51Defender does a good job reacting,
17:52but then the Decel move finally gets them
17:55the kind of look he wants.
17:57Castle, the number four pick in the draft
18:00in 2024.
18:02Obvious three in and out.
18:03Rebound by Keldon Johnson,
18:05who just won sixth man of the year,
18:07checking in for the first time today.
18:10Only averaging five points per game in the series.
18:13Here's Castle, eight early points.
18:16Been brilliant all postseason.
18:18Mid-range shot, front-rimmed it,
18:20and cleared by Klingon.
18:24Shaden Sharp, who's averaging 21 points per game
18:27during the regular season before he got hurt,
18:29he nearly turns it over,
18:31and now finally the whistle blows a jump ball
18:33as neither Harper nor Klingon want to give the ball up.
18:37But Mitch Johnson is furious.
18:40He saw that develop
18:42and desperately tried to get a timeout.
18:48And the fans here in Portland appreciate the hustle from Klingon.
18:56Who was a teammate of Castle at Connecticut.
18:59Right away, Harper steps in.
19:01Good hands.
19:01Dribble comes in front of you.
19:03You swat it away.
19:04That's where Johnson was trying to get a timeout.
19:06But you love this competitiveness.
19:10Well, we saw Dylan Harper's competitive spirit
19:13on full display in that game on Friday night.
19:17Just outstanding in the second half
19:19as the Spurs overcame their largest deficit
19:22to win a playoff game
19:24since they clinched the 2014 NBA championship.
19:28Coming back from 16 down in game five against the Heat.
19:32And driven by Harper and Castle.
19:35Two of your youngest players.
19:43And Klingon wins that.
19:46Kamara gets a good look.
19:47Can't knock down the three.
19:51Blazers one of six from behind the arc.
19:5323% shooting overall.
19:58Harper got inside of Klingon.
20:00Goes underneath.
20:01Flips it to Cornette.
20:03Cornette puts it up.
20:04No.
20:05Rebounded Kamara.
20:06Good job by Klingon.
20:07Great activity.
20:09Challenging every activity in the paint.
20:11Did a good job with multiple efforts there.
20:14Kamara keeping the defender on his hip.
20:16Sharp drives.
20:19Plays it up.
20:19No, but a foul.
20:21And so Shaden Sharp,
20:22who we were mentioning before that jump ball,
20:25was so good before he injured his leg
20:28and had to miss two months.
20:29Didn't return until April 10th.
20:31Has had a hard time adjusting to being back on the floor.
20:35It's not an easy time for a guy to try to shake off some rest.
20:39But a guy who averaged almost 21 points per game,
20:42imagine if he gives you a glimpse of that guy.
20:47Fourth-year player out of Kentucky.
20:48He's very, very talented.
20:52And he gets the first free throw.
20:54You could win a trip to game three of the NBA Finals.
20:57Make your playoff picks now with NBA Pick'em.
21:00Streak to the Finals.
21:01Play free at NBA.com slash Pick'em or on the NBA app.
21:04Dave Bash, Doris Burke, Malika Andrews here in Portland.
21:08Victor Wimbanyama has played five minutes, has two points,
21:12two assists, and two blocks.
21:14Second free throw, no good.
21:16And it's Spurs ball.
21:17They have a four-point lead just outside four minutes to go
21:20in the first quarter.
21:22Two-one series lead for San Antonio here in game four.
21:26Castle, tough shot on the baseline.
21:28Cornout with the offensive rebound.
21:29Missed the putback.
21:30And the Blazers have it.
21:35Sharp driving on Johnson.
21:37Gets all the way to the basket, but blew the layoff.
21:39Rebound Cornette.
21:42Harper into the front court.
21:43Gets all the way himself, but he couldn't find the net.
21:47And now Abdiah.
21:48Back and forth we go.
21:49Kick out Grant.
21:51He'll drive.
21:52Take it right at Cornette.
21:53There with a follow as Williams off the grand miss.
22:01Well, despite just 25% shooting, Portland is only down two.
22:05Well, Jeremy Grant's been a struggle all series,
22:08so he's going to attack the rim.
22:09Watch the follow by a guy who's had a terrific series.
22:13Time Lord in the house.
22:19NBA first round is presented by Popeyes.
22:22Love that chicken from Popeyes.
22:26NBA playoffs presented by Google.
22:28First round presented by Popeyes.
22:31Let's put in historical context what happened Friday night.
22:34Harper and Castle.
22:36Duos to score 25 or more, age 21 or younger.
22:39They're the second.
22:40The last was Westbrook and Durant back with the Thunder 16 years ago.
22:44Both guys are absolutely fearless.
22:47And I think you have to go all the way back to the NBA Cup.
22:51And both guys were massive for the Spurs in route to the championship game.
22:55Now, they didn't win that against the Knicks, but that was one heck of a run.
23:01Wembenyama back on the floor for the Spurs.
23:03Played five minutes.
23:05He'll turn and fire in the mid-range, and he's short again.
23:08He is one for five from the field.
23:11Meanwhile, Portland just 4 of 14 in the paint,
23:14and a lot of that has to do with Wembenyama's presence.
23:170 for 5 in the paint against Wembenyama.
23:20Grant gets past him, missed the dunk, but a foul.
23:23But he did get past the big guy that time.
23:26He'll go to the line with a chance to tie the game.
23:29This guy is only 7 for 25 in the series, Jeremy Grant.
23:33So, this is who he is, though.
23:35You want to get downhill, use that size and athleticism.
23:38Obvious foul right there.
23:41And maybe a couple of free throws gets him started.
23:44Foul was on Keldon Johnson, his first, and the third on the Spurs.
23:48Jeremy Grant in his fourth year with the Blazers.
23:50He grew up in Portland.
23:51His dad, Harvey, was playing for the Blazers at the time in the mid-90s.
23:58Averaged 19 points per game during the regular season
24:00and ties it up with two free throws with three minutes to go in the first quarter.
24:08Both teams shooting under 40%.
24:11The Blazers at 25%.
24:14Wembenyama, 4-3.
24:16It's good!
24:17His first triple of the game.
24:19He hit five in his playoff debut.
24:24And now a turnover as that pass by Grant was off the mark,
24:27trying to hit Murray in the corner.
24:29His jumper hadn't gone to start this basketball game.
24:32He's taken quite a few of them, just one for five.
24:34But it doesn't, or now two for six, doesn't bother him, right?
24:37He just stays with it.
24:39Fox spinning, stopping, popping, hitting.
24:41De'Aaron Fox from mid-range.
24:44Head coach Ms. Johnson told us he was a big reason
24:47why the young guys played so well the other night.
24:50Deferred, and his leadership helping the young guys along
24:53over the course of the year.
24:56Grant around the screen.
24:58Now Wembenyama goes out on him with a shot clock down to five.
25:02Grant into the lane, goes to the left and scores.
25:06That is so difficult, but he was able to bank it in.
25:10Johnson on the other end, attacks and kicks.
25:14Wembenyama from five feet behind the line, no good.
25:24Charlotte will try an 18-footer, and he's got it.
25:27Portland back within one.
25:29That's a terrific sign for this young man.
25:32He had a breakout year.
25:35Just been about trying to knock off the rust
25:38as a playoff series evolves.
25:41Portland's bench outscoring San Antonio, 9-0.
25:44The rejection by Williams.
25:46Fox thought he had a layup.
25:48Murray in the open floor.
25:49Goes to the other side of the rim,
25:51and Portland has the lead.
25:57It all started with a time lord on defense.
26:00Robert Williams III, the former Celtic.
26:03Vassell in and out.
26:04One and done on that trip for San Antonio.
26:06Sharp pulls up for three.
26:08Wembenyama, hits it.
26:16Nine straight trailblazer points.
26:19And you see how they want to play.
26:20They want to force miscues or missed shots
26:23and then get to their tempo.
26:25Under a minute to go in the first.
26:29Wembenyama, two for seven from the floor.
26:31Four of his seven shots have been threes.
26:33Fox around the screen.
26:34Lobs and an easy throw down for Wembenyama.
26:37If there's a switch and it's a guard who's on to Wembenyama,
26:41they just throw it up.
26:42As he says, throw it to the moon.
26:44I promise I'll catch it.
26:49Holiday stops at the foul line.
26:51Turner on jumper way off the mark.
26:53And rebounded by Wembenyama, his third.
26:57About a seven-second difference in the clocks
26:59here at the end of the first.
27:01The rookie number two pick in the draft
27:03behind Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper.
27:06Guarded by Sharp.
27:09Timer down to six.
27:11Harper will try the three.
27:12Two strong.
27:13And rebounded by Holiday.
27:16Blazers have time.
27:17Six seconds left.
27:19And Holiday fouled.
27:20San Antonio had one to give.
27:22It's on Vassell, his first.
27:23So you've got a glimpse of who Portland is.
27:26They pressure up the floor.
27:27Robert Williams, once that offensive player gets by,
27:31meets you at the rim.
27:32And then they want to change in so quickly.
27:35And the fact that Shaden Sharp in this basketball game
27:38is gaining some traction,
27:40it's what Thiago's been waiting for.
27:42Now you get a little switch out front.
27:44Small is on Wembeny.
27:46Good night.
27:49Both teams making substitutions here
27:52for the final possession of the first quarter
27:54with five seconds remaining.
27:55Kamara checking in.
27:57Williams to the bench.
28:02Here's Avdia.
28:04Three seconds left.
28:05Avdia kicks to the corner.
28:07Three-pointer is up.
28:08No good.
28:08And the quarter comes to an end.
28:10At one point, Portland missed 15 of 16 shots.
28:15Yet the Blazers have a two-point lead.
28:18Wembenyama returns, but his team is down.
28:21The Blazers trying to even the series at 2-2.
28:29We're here in Portland for the first round,
28:31presented by Popeyes.
28:33Here with Steph Castle.
28:34And Steph, Victor Wembenyama is back
28:36after he missed that game three.
28:38Where have you felt his impact the most?
28:40I think just his presence on defense,
28:43the turn shots, the turn drives, really.
28:46I mean, he's just everywhere on the court.
28:48And then he hasn't even really got going yet on offense,
28:50so I'm just waiting to see that.
28:52Absolutely.
28:52And speaking of offense, the Blazers,
28:54they were able to find something a little bit offensively
28:57towards the end of that quarter.
28:58How do you get back to the defensive principles
29:01that you were displaying early on?
29:02I think we're doing a good job on what we coached.
29:05I mean, they made some tough shots,
29:06but for the most part, they're taking the shot
29:08that we want them to take.
29:09Steph, thank you very much for your time.
29:10I appreciate it.
29:11Guys, back to you.
29:12And Castle's got eight points to lead all scores
29:14as you start the second quarter.
29:17Two-point lead for the Blazers.
29:19Malika, what they found is a 14-zip run by the bench
29:24to end that first quarter.
29:26How about they get 11-2 fast break of damage?
29:28They dominate the glass.
29:30This is going to be an offensive foul on Carter.
29:32So as chippy as that was for Portland to start,
29:36good reaction.
29:37Stevon Castle is also mic'd up today.
29:45All right, let's go, V12.
29:50Hey, what?
29:55I don't.
29:56Hey, I don't got that.
30:02Castle, the reigning rookie of the year.
30:04Boy, bad pass by Wembenyama.
30:06And then he hits the deck.
30:08He's slow to get off, and a foul inside on the Spurs.
30:11Wembeny appears to be okay after that awkward landing.
30:15Free throws coming up for the Blazers.
30:18Fourth turnover here.
30:19He got himself in the air in trying to get back.
30:21You see the contact right there by Holliday.
30:24And it was.
30:25It was a awkward fall.
30:28Harrison Barnes, who had not been playing much in the series,
30:31only about 11 minutes per game.
30:32He's starting the second quarter and picks up the foul.
30:35And Grant hits the first free throw.
30:38You mentioned the importance of trying to play better
30:42without Scoot Henderson on the floor.
30:44They're plus eight right now without Henderson,
30:47who picked up two fouls seven minutes into the game.
30:50Well, overall, they're playing with the desperation you would expect.
30:54You talked about the futility of this organization
30:57when they've gone down 3-1 in a series.
30:59And they've gotten to their game, right?
31:01They need to get out and transition to score.
31:06Lead up to four.
31:10Fox working off the Wembenyama screen.
31:12The big guy rolls, but the Blazers react to it.
31:15A three from the corner.
31:16Won't go for Barnes.
31:17Rebound Williams.
31:18Quick outlet.
31:19Almost turned it over.
31:22Murphy did a good job.
31:23He was prepared at the rim as the low man
31:25and then put a great challenge out to the corner.
31:30Grant has been really aggressive going to the basket early on.
31:34And a foul on Harper as Grant was trying to get around him.
31:38That's the first on him and the first on the Spurs
31:40here in the second quarter.
31:46game five is Tuesday in San Antonio.
31:49If necessary, game six would be back here in the great Northwest on Thursday.
31:58All they try to drive the angle cut off by Fox, Holiday botting with him.
32:03When Wembenyama comes to double, leaves an open shooter.
32:05It's Murray.
32:06He can't make it though.
32:07And the Blazers just two for nine from three.
32:10Out of bounds to San Antonio.
32:12It's been a problem all season for Tiago Splitter's team.
32:16They get a ton of threes up.
32:17They just do not shoot a great percentage.
32:2128th, I believe, in the regular season, a three-point percentage,
32:24but they are unafraid to jack him.
32:27Defense!
32:29Defense!
32:31Defense!
32:33Defense!
32:34Defense!
32:34Wembenyama trying to get free, does, takes it all the way,
32:37and smashes it.
32:38And a timeout by Portland.
32:40Tiago Splitter is irate with that defensive sequence by his team.
32:45Wembenyama up to nine points now to go along with six rebounds,
32:49two blocks, and two assists.
32:51The rim will feel that one tomorrow.
32:52All right.
32:59That brought to you by Dos Equis.
33:02So when he's the contesting defender coming into today,
33:06they're two for 15.
33:07And Steph just talked about this with Malika.
33:10It's the contested shots.
33:11It's also the deterred shots,
33:13the unwillingness to sometimes challenge leading to shots more on the perimeter.
33:18Your average shot distance a little bit different.
33:21Here's what they are tonight.
33:23I mean, think about it.
33:24They're six for 17 in the paint.
33:26Do you think this guy has anything to do with that futility?
33:31And then watch him.
33:32Klingon's going to try to take away Wembe's balance,
33:35and in trying to do so, loses his own balance by trying to be overly physical.
33:42It's a two-point lead for Portland.
33:442-15 gone by in the second quarter.
33:47Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Malika Andrews.
33:49It's game four with San Antonio up two games to one.
33:52The winner plays either Denver or Minnesota.
33:55The Wolves up three to one in that series, but major injuries now.
33:58Shot clock at one, but Holliday hits anyway from the logo.
34:02A much-needed three-pointer for the Blazers.
34:07Leave it to Drew Holliday to bail him out.
34:11A 30-footer to push the lead to five.
34:15Fox goes away from the screen, stops at the foul line, and that was a pass.
34:22The awareness of Drew to understand, all right, Denny's drive gets cut off.
34:27This is a possession going nowhere.
34:29Takes a quick peek, lets it fly, and drains it.
34:35And his leadership, you know, we talked about the leadership of Fox on one side.
34:40Tiago Splitter could not say enough about the character of this man,
34:44both between the lines and outside,
34:46and the invaluable leadership for a remarkably young Portland team.
34:51101st career playoff game for Holliday, a champion.
34:55The Bucs and Celtics in his 17th season in the NBA.
35:00Shot clock at five.
35:01Holliday defending Weminyama.
35:03Look at him, face right in his chest.
35:05Timer at one.
35:06Turn around jumper off the front iron.
35:08Holliday, who's been an all-league defender multiple times.
35:11Excellent defense, but kept alive for Harper.
35:13His three is off target, cleared by Williams.
35:18Second foul on Kamara, by the way, so both Kamara and Henderson.
35:22Two starters for the Blazers with two fouls.
35:24Kamara will stay in the game.
35:26Grant trying to drive, lost his balance momentarily.
35:30Reverse layup is good.
35:31It's a seven-point lead.
35:32I'll tell you this, he has made some tough shots.
35:36He's challenged Wemby,
35:37and right there against excellent defense by Harper,
35:40he makes a tough shot.
35:42The rookie, Carter.
35:43Bryant from dig drills a three.
35:46Boy, has he come on the last half of this season.
35:49The 20-year-old out of Arizona.
35:54Obdia stops, fires in and out.
35:57Wyatt just three shot attempts, one make for Obdia.
36:03Tassel loses the ball.
36:05A blocking foul is called on Grant.
36:09His first.
36:13Second team foul on Portland.
36:17Take a look.
36:22It's a good call on.
36:23That looks like a block.
36:26So much.
36:27I like that we do the second angle,
36:28because to me, so much of block charge
36:30is about the angle at which the ref sees it.
36:33To me, either way, that's definitely a block.
36:38Cornette checks in, so Wemby Nyama on the bench,
36:41but Cornette has given the Spurs really good minutes.
36:46Harper drives, leaves it for Cornette,
36:48and he gets it blocked from behind by Grant.
36:51Shot clock at six.
36:52Bryant, open three.
36:54It's not that time.
36:57Kamara flips it to Holiday.
37:02Obdia, got deep, lays it in, and a foul.
37:07Denny Obdia, an all-star for the first time this year,
37:11finished third in most improved player voting.
37:13This is a big reason why he's good at penetrating as anybody.
37:17He's a downhill player, a little shot fake,
37:20and because of his size and finishing ability,
37:24this time he likes to go to the opposite side of the rim,
37:27creative.
37:27He's 6'8", you know, 6'8", 228.
37:32And third in the league,
37:34and free throws made second in attempts.
37:38This is where he has lived all year.
37:41He was the ninth pick in the draft by Washington in 2020,
37:45traded in 24 for Malcolm Brogdon in draft picks,
37:50and it has worked out to be a really good deal for the Blazers
37:53with Obdia coming into his own in 2026.
37:57Blazers now 8 of 9 at the line, Spurs just 1 of 2.
38:05Castle bumps, puts it on the rim.
38:07No, Cornette can't stick it home.
38:09Loose ball, out of bounds to the Blazers.
38:18San Antonio has just five points in five minutes to start the quarter.
38:22Obdia lobs, and the Lord of Time is there to slam it.
38:30Robert Williams, the third mix in a nine-point game.
38:34Timeout Spurs.
38:36My goodness.
38:38The Trail Blazers playing with desperation.
38:41A downhill Denny.
38:43A high-flying time lord.
38:45Robert Williams in the house.
38:46He's been brilliant.
38:48We've got to take another look.
38:49This is so good.
38:55NBA first round, presented by Popeyes, is brought to you by Google.
39:00And Burger King.
39:02You rule.
39:05So this is a Stephon Castle drive.
39:08There was no whistle.
39:09But late, as this possession is continuing to develop, he eventually is going to grab his hand.
39:15He's kind of trying to get his teammates' attention.
39:17He grabs.
39:17That's the first time we see him grab his left hand.
39:20Now, I don't know if his hand got caught in the jersey.
39:22Didn't look like anything there.
39:24But that reaction right there, he goes immediately back to the locker room.
39:29We'll get more from Malika as soon as we can.
39:32But that is a massive development if this turns out to be anything.
39:36And let's get the update from Malika.
39:38Dave, I was just in the back with Stephon Castle where, yes, they are working on that right hand.
39:42He's headed to get x-rays as we speak.
39:45And I will keep you updated if he is available to return to this game, Dave.
39:50Okay, Malika said right hand there, which is interesting because we saw the left hand.
39:54Was the one that was bothering him on that drive.
39:57But we'll continue to keep you posted on that.
39:59It's a nine-point lead.
40:00Up to 12.
40:01What a great three.
40:09We doubt, confirm it is the left hand.
40:11Malika just misspoke there.
40:12So left hand is Johnson lobs.
40:14Cornette can't get it to fall.
40:16Blazer ball.
40:18Scoot Henderson back on the court.
40:21Kamara gets a great look.
40:23And hits a throw.
40:26Rip setting is rocking.
40:31Boy, I'll tell you, if they get the perimeter game going, look out.
40:34Because they came out of the last break, plus seven on the glass, plus eight in the paint.
40:39Now you start to feel good and the jumper starts to go.
40:42Defense!
40:43Defense!
40:45They're outscoring the Spurs 18-5 in the quarter.
40:48Fox short in the triple try.
40:51Obdiah trips over a teammate.
40:53But the Blazers keep possession.
41:00Obdiah driving on Fox.
41:02Lost the ball.
41:03Got it back.
41:05Shot clock down to seven.
41:06Obdiah spins.
41:08Gives up the dribble.
41:09Shoots anyway.
41:10Everything falling for Portland.
41:14It's been that kind of quarter for the Blazers.
41:1813-0 run.
41:20Defense!
41:22Defense!
41:24Defense!
41:26Defense!
41:28Defense!
41:30Defense!
41:30Thru the lane.
41:32Tough shot.
41:32And a foul called.
41:34Obdiah wants immediately for that to be challenged.
41:37But it didn't look like they will.
41:39Blazers cooking on the offensive end.
41:41Jeremy Grant, who had been a struggle through the first three games, starting to look like himself.
41:47Kamara from distance.
41:49Shot ready on the catch.
41:50And then watch Obdiah.
41:52Now Fox had battled him throughout the possession.
41:54But look at the size difference, that's 6'8".
41:58It's like trying to contest, you know, the Wemby wrist height in that differential layer.
42:03First point of the game for Keldon Johnson.
42:06As Obdi commits the foul, is first.
42:09And the third on the Blazers.
42:11Let's see if Keldon Johnson can get going.
42:15Johnson has struggled shooting the ball in this series under 30%.
42:19He's the sixth man of the year, especially if the castle injury is serious.
42:23And he can't come back.
42:24You also wonder about the minutes that Victor Wemby and Yama will play today.
42:28Coming off the concussion.
42:30They're learning Wemby in the minutes they generally do.
42:33As you see Harper trying to put some pressure on him.
42:36Five, six minute stints for Victor.
42:38And then it's a rest.
42:40By the way, Castle has reemerged from the Spurs locker room.
42:44He's back on the bench.
42:45So that's a good sign for San Antonio.
42:49Not a bit of tape on either hand.
42:52You see him shaking that left hand still.
42:56Full court pressure here by the Spurs.
42:59Obdi breaks it.
43:05With Wemby and Yama on the bench, the Spurs are minus 14.
43:08Obdi attacks and scores.
43:11And that will bring the big guy off the bench to check back in.
43:16With a 17 point deficit here in game four.
43:19Defense!
43:21Defense!
43:23They need him for his offense as much as his defense right now.
43:27Defense!
43:27Bucks around the screen.
43:29Lays it home against Grant.
43:35Back door cut by Henderson and the turnover by the Blazers.
43:39Bad pass.
43:40Denny, if you allow him especially to get to his right hand.
43:44They've tried to force him right.
43:46They do it there, but the ability to get back to his right hand, be elusive at the cup.
43:53And this is what they've tried to do, right?
43:55They've tried to weak him as much as possible because his finishing going right is so good.
44:02Abdi has 11. Grant also with 11 to lead all scorers in this game.
44:07Fox swing it to Champagny. He'll let it fly. Hit it!
44:11Champagny, who is one of the best three-pointers, three-point shooters in the league this season, a franchise record,
44:18195 made triples during the season.
44:21So let's see who closes this half, right? Four minutes if you're the Spurs to try to string together some
44:26stops.
44:27Abdi fakes the pass, goes right at Wimbledon-Yama, and an offensive foul is called.
44:33That's two on Abdi. No basket.
44:37It's all about the left hand. Thiago Splitter taking a look here, thinking about the challenge.
44:43Again, they're weakening him.
44:46Little de-cell move, but an obvious, obvious offensive foul.
44:52But this is what the alien forces you to do, right?
44:55You're trying to gain separation any way possible.
44:58And Victor doing a little refereeing.
45:00So back-to-back Portland turnovers after zero turnovers the previous eight minutes of the quarter.
45:08A chance for San Antonio to get it back to ten, maybe nine, with a three.
45:13Wimbledon-Yama got the defender off his feet.
45:17Leans in, and he did.
45:18A turnover by Wimbledon-Yama, who's got nine points, four of ten shooting, and 13 minutes played.
45:24And his first game back after missing game three due to a concussion.
45:29Castle has not come back on the floor yet for San Antonio, leaving a few minutes ago with a left
45:33-hand injury.
45:35Three and a half to play in the half.
45:37Abdiya, and it knocked away momentarily.
45:41Shot clock inside a ten.
45:43Abdiya gets deep, and the deflection by Champagny out to Holiday.
45:47Shot clock at three.
45:49Holiday deep in the lane, goes to the left, missed the shot.
45:52Wimbledon-Yama had a rebound and lost it out of bounds.
45:56Blazer basketball.
46:02Another low-scoring game.
46:04We saw Cleveland-Toronto with a game that didn't look anything like what we saw in the regular season
46:10in terms of points scored.
46:11And here we are again in our second game today.
46:14Dylan Harper shaking up now.
46:15Now he's still on the ground for the Spurs, and Holiday pins a three!
46:21He's not moving, babe.
46:28Harper needs to be helped off.
46:32Having trouble getting to the Spurs bench.
46:34It's a 15-point lead for Portland.
46:42Screening action out front, and you see the contact at the free-throw line.
46:53It's DraftKings Sportsbook player Pulse.
46:56You look at the numbers so far for Grant and Wimbledon-Yama.
46:59Good start for Jeremy Grant.
47:01DraftKings is the number one sportsbook for live betting.
47:03Use promo code SPLASH when you sign up.
47:07Stephon Castle is back on the floor for the Spurs.
47:11Dylan Harper is on the bench after being shaken up on the last possession.
47:15Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Malika Andrews inside.
47:18Three minutes to go in the second quarter.
47:20The Spurs down 15.
47:21Fox into the lane.
47:23Got the defender off his feet.
47:24Kicks it out to Castle for three.
47:27Rebound, Avdia.
47:33Spurs have led by as many as 17.
47:36And a foul on Vassell.
47:39First in the last two minutes.
47:41We're outside two minutes, so it's just a four-team foul.
47:44Side out regardless.
47:45Second foul on Vassell.
47:47Like many teams, what the Blazers are doing are guarding him with Drew and Kamara.
47:53And Drew, of course, historically an outstanding defender and a guy who can guard so many different body types.
48:00You need him as a point-of-attack defender, he can do that.
48:04Another foul on San Antonio.
48:06This is on Castle, his second.
48:07And so Avdia will be at the free throw line.
48:17He's three for three already.
48:21Blazers eight of nine as a team.
48:23Time for our upcoming NBA playoff schedule brought to you by Orkin.
48:27Philadelphia trying to even the series tonight on NBC and Peacock.
48:32Taking on Boston at seven.
48:34Then the Lakers go for the sweep at 9.30 Eastern time.
48:36For more, go to NBA.com.
48:38And for whatever reason, undermanned teams in this postseason have had success.
48:42Whether it was Minnesota last night after DiVincenzo and Edwards gets hurt.
48:46The Lakers the entire series without Doncic and Reeves.
48:50Nice pass by Wem and Yama to Castle.
48:52And then the Spurs on Friday night with Castle and Harper getting it done while Wem and Yama sack.
48:58Henderson.
48:59Three.
49:00Spins out.
49:00And Wemby with his seventh board.
49:02And if you're the Spurs, you just have to keep working the game.
49:05Right?
49:05You just have to stay patient.
49:08Try to find some rhythm on the offensive end.
49:12Castle with a nice save.
49:14The cells three short.
49:16And a foul on the Spurs.
49:21And if that's at Castle, that's three.
49:23It is.
49:25So three personal fouls on Stephon Castle.
49:30And Mitch Johnson looking down his bench.
49:33See if he removes him here.
49:36A little push in the back.
49:37Two-handed push.
49:39Extension by Castle on Drew Holiday.
49:42So far, now, I think an assistant just told Mitch he's got three, but he's not making a move yet.
49:51Holiday misses the free throw.
49:53There it is.
49:54Dylan Harper getting up off the bench now.
49:56So he's healthy enough to play.
49:57How about Victor Wem and Yama's back.
50:00And the Spurs have no second chance points and 14 paint points.
50:05Their season low for a first half is 16.
50:08And the bigs for Portland, both have played very well, right?
50:16Like, Klingon has only played eight minutes thus far.
50:18They gave Robert Williams a long run there.
50:21He's played more minutes in the first half than Klingon.
50:26Four points, five rebounds, and 14 minutes for Williams.
50:30Klingon's played eight minutes, has two points, but three offensive rebounds.
50:34Wem and Yama pulls up on the baseline, missed again.
50:37He's four for 11.
50:38And again, another defensive rebound.
50:42One and done for the Spurs.
50:4490 seconds left in the half.
50:46In the lane, Holiday.
50:48Good!
50:48And the lead is 18, the largest of the day.
50:51Come on.
50:51Is it a surprise that the most experienced guy has got his fingerprints all over it, Drew Holiday?
50:59Vassell threw the lane to Champagny.
51:02Champagny got deep and put it in.
51:08Approaching a minute to go, Blazers trying to even the series at two games apiece.
51:13They lead by 16.
51:16Klingon straight on three.
51:18He got it!
51:21It's not uncommon.
51:23He made 84 threes during the regular season.
51:27Just a spectacular half.
51:30And think about it, Dave.
51:31How many shots did they miss in a row at one point, Portland?
51:35The mental toughness to just keep playing?
51:37And a foul on Klingon as Wambanyama hits the floor.
51:40Doris, you're right.
51:41There was a stretch where the Blazers missed 15 of 16 shots in the first quarter.
51:46Yet, you look up and they're up 19.
51:48And how about Klingon?
51:49The concentration.
51:51He gives him a little cornet contest.
51:54He has to close up short because he doesn't want to foul him.
51:57It's like shooting blind, isn't it?
51:59I mean, you can't see the basket.
52:01You've got no vision on the rim.
52:04Great hold of the follow-through.
52:06I love it.
52:08First foul on Klingon.
52:10And the first in the last two minutes on Portland.
52:12So a side out of bounds here.
52:14Largest lead of the game for the Blazers.
52:17The Spurs have just 16 points this quarter.
52:20Wambanyama keeps the bounce.
52:22Drives on Klingon.
52:23Powers it up.
52:24No.
52:24Rebound Holliday.
52:25Quick out at Abdiah.
52:27Again.
52:27Abdiah downhill.
52:28Still missed the layup.
52:30Wambanyama lost it.
52:31And out of bounds.
52:33Trying to save it was Harper.
52:34It'll stay here.
52:37How quickly, though, does Obdiah get the ball up the floor?
52:41Coming up, it's halftime.
52:42Presented by Hyundai Ernie, Shaq, Charles.
52:45Welcome back, Kenny.
52:46Congrats to your daughter.
52:47I want to know, did he cry walking her down the aisle?
52:53Shot clock inside of 10 for Obdiah.
52:56Bodding with De'Aaron Fox.
52:58Clinging for three again.
52:59And not that time.
53:03Kamara hit the deck underneath.
53:04Fans wanted a foul called.
53:07But it's going to be San Antonio ball, and they're going to get Chris Murray into the game here.
53:12For defense to get Obdiah out.
53:17San Antonio has not been held under 40 points in a first half this season.
53:21Yet here they are with 39.
53:23One last possession, 20.1 seconds to go.
53:36And Drew Holliday defending Victor Wimbanyama at midcourt.
53:41Harper gets it into the cell.
53:43No big on the floor.
53:45So just think about that.
53:46You're trusting Holliday again to guard Victor Wimbanyama.
53:49Giving up a foot.
53:50Maybe more.
53:52Nine seconds to go.
53:54Fox.
53:55The screen from Champagny with five seconds left.
53:58Fox with three.
53:59Directing traffic.
54:00Now goes into the lane.
54:02Floater.
54:02It's good with four tenths of a second left.
54:08But Portland has a 17-point lead at halftime.
54:39Halftime presented by Hyundai is next.
54:45It's time for today's Access Brought.