For the first time since 2017, the San Antonio Spurs are heading to the Western Conference semi-finals.
Victor Wembanyama put up a double-double, blocking six shots, and six players scored in double figures as the Spurs beat the Portland Trailblazers 114-95 Tuesday night to clinch their first-round playoff series.
It did not take long for the Spurs to open up a lead, surging to a 65-45 advantage at halftime.
The Spurs kept adding to it in the second half, with Wembanyama throwing down a jam that ignited the Frost Bank Center.
The Spurs survived a late surge by the Trailblazers in the 4th quarter, but Wembanyama blocked three shots in the fourth quarter alone to help seal the deal.
That included blocking a shot over the backboard.
Wembanyama finished with 17 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks and 3 assists. Every San Antonio starter managed to score in double figures, led by De'Aaron Fox who has 21 points. Julian Champagnie added 19 points, while Dylan Harper added another 17 points.
The Spurs unanimous Defensive Player of the Year then put the exclamation point on the win.
The Blazers were led by Deni Avdija who scored a game-high 22 points.
The Spurs win the series 4-1, their first playoff series win since 2017. They advance to take on either the Minnesota Timberwolves or Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals.
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