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Having lost the first game 98–111 at home in San Antonio, the Trail Blazers returned to the Frost Bank Center in Texas to claim a 106–103 victory, capitalising on the absence of Wembanyama, who had been the standout performer with 35 points on Sunday against the Western Conference’s second-placed team in the regular season.
The Frenchman exited in the second quarter after hitting his head on the floor following a collision with Portland’s Jrue Holiday. The 22-year-old appeared dazed while lying on the court for several minutes before walking to the locker room. He was later ruled out under concussion protocol as a precaution against complications.
San Antonio appeared to have overcome the setback after building a 14-point lead at 93–79 with just over eight minutes remaining. However, they lost offensive sharpness down the stretch, with Wembanyama’s absence—having recently been named Defensive Player of the Year—proving decisive as Portland outscored them 27–10 in the final quarter.
Scoot Henderson led Portland with 31 points, while Jrue Holiday added 16. Game three of the best-of-seven series will take place in Portland on Friday.