Spurs torch Portland with an 87-point middle-quarter surge

On Saturday night, San Antonio turned a 22-20 first-quarter edge into a 125-103 road win over Portland. The Spurs poured in 42 points in the second quarter and 45 in the third, outscoring Portland 87-56 across those periods and taking a 109-76 lead into the fourth. Victor Wembanyama led with 29 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three and 8-of-9 at the line, plus 7 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, a block and 2 turnovers. Devin Vassell scored 15 on 4-of-8 shooting, made 2 of 4 threes and all 5 free throws, and added 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals without a turnover; Julian Champagnie had 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three, and 4 rebounds. Stephon Castle contributed 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, a block and 2 turnovers, while Dylan Harper put up 13 points on 6-of-13 shooting, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, a block and 1 turnover. Portland outscored San Antonio 27-16 in the fourth, but its late push could not erase the 33-point deficit built through three quarters; Deni Avdija scored 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting with 4 rebounds, an assist, a steal and 3 turnovers, while Damian Lillard added 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting, 7 assists and 3 turnovers.