Wembanyama becomes first unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year
Wembanyama becomes first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year winner in NBA history.
Event / Sports
NBA 2025-2026 Playoffs
Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics, with the 76ers overcoming a 3-1 deficit to win Game 7 109-100 on May 2, 2026.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 20 Apr, 08:36 UTC
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What happened
Trail Blazers' Deni Avdija scores 26 points in Game 4 loss to Spurs
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija led the team with 26 points and 7 rebounds in Game 4 against the Spurs. Jrue Holiday added 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Jerami Grant contributed 17 points off the bench. Scoot Henderson struggled significantly, going 0-for-7 from the field without scoring.
Spurs finish regular season with 62-20 record, second seed in Western Conference
The San Antonio Spurs finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 62-20 record, the second-best record in the league and securing the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Spurs also compiled a 12-6 record during the stretch when Wembanyama missed time, demonstrating roster depth.
Spurs defeat Trail Blazers 120-108 in Game 3 to take 2-1 series lead
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 120-108 in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series to take a 2-1 series lead. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 33 points, while rookie Dylan Harper contributed 27 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Luke Kornet started in place of the injured Wembanyama and recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Trail Blazers defeat Spurs 106-103 in Game 2 despite Wembanyama early injury
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 106-103 in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series. The Spurs held an early lead but faltered down the stretch after Wembanyama exited early due to his concussion injury, finishing with only 5 points in 12 minutes.
Wembanyama named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, first unanimous winner
Victor Wembanyama was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season, becoming the first player in league history to win the award unanimously. The 22-year-old French center led the league with 3.1 blocks per game while also averaging 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
Victor Wembanyama cleared to play in Game 4 after concussion protocol
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama cleared the NBA's concussion protocol and became available to play in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Wembanyama had sustained the concussion in the first half of Game 2 on Tuesday and missed Game 3 on Friday while completing mandatory steps of the league's concussion protocol.
Minnesota Timberwolves hold 3-1 lead over Denver Nuggets in Western Conference semifinal matchup
In the other Western Conference first-round series, the Minnesota Timberwolves held a 3-1 series lead over the No. 3 seeded Denver Nuggets. The winner of the Spurs-Trail Blazers series will advance to face the winner of this Timberwolves-Nuggets matchup in the Western Conference semifinals.
Spurs defeat Blazers 114-93 in Game 4 with Wembanyama's return to take 3-1 series lead
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-93 in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. This was Wembanyama's first game back after clearing concussion protocol. Wembanyama recorded a double-double with 27 points and 11 rebounds, adding 4 steals and 7 blocks. De'Aaron Fox scored 28 points on 65 percent shooting with 6 rebounds and 7 assists, while Stephon Castle added 16 points and 8 assists. The Trail Blazers led by as many as 19 points in the first half with a 58-41 halftime advantage, but the Spurs outscored Portland 33-16 in the third quarter to tie the game and then dominated the fourth quarter with a 27-8 run.
Spurs in first playoff appearance since 2019
The San Antonio Spurs returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, entering with high expectations driven by Wembanyama's elite two-way play.
Spurs-Trail Blazers Game 5 scheduled for Tuesday in San Antonio
Game 5 of the first-round playoff series between the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers is scheduled for Tuesday with the series shifting back to San Antonio. The Spurs lead the series 3-1.
Wembanyama scores 35 points in Game 1 playoff debut, sets Spurs postseason record
Victor Wembanyama scored 35 points in his postseason debut in Game 1 of the first-round series, breaking Hall of Famer Tim Duncan's franchise record for points in a playoff debut. The Spurs defeated the Trail Blazers 111-98. Wembanyama also made 5 of 6 three-point attempts in 33 minutes of play.
Jamal Murray scores 30 points for Denver Nuggets in Game 4 loss
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 30 points on 10-for-25 shooting in Game 4, but the effort was insufficient to overcome the Timberwolves' strong second-half performance.
Nikola Jokic and Julius Randle ejected after late-game altercation in Game 4
Nikola Jokic and Julius Randle were ejected from Game 4 in the closing seconds after players from both teams engaged in shoving near the sidelines. The ejection occurred after Jokic took exception to a layup by Jaden McDaniels with 2.1 seconds remaining.
Minnesota Timberwolves defeat Denver Nuggets 112-96 in Game 4 of Western Conference playoff series
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 112-96 in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Saturday night in Minneapolis. The victory gave Minnesota a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, putting them one win away from advancing to the next round.
Donte DiVincenzo tears Achilles tendon in first half of Game 4
Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo injured his right leg on a non-contact play during the first half. DiVincenzo planted his foot while pursuing a loose ball and fell to the court, grabbing the back of his right leg in pain. Early reports indicated that DiVincenzo ruptured his Achilles tendon on the play.
Game 5 of Timberwolves-Nuggets series scheduled for Monday in Denver
Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets is set for Monday night in Denver. The series will shift back to Denver with Minnesota holding a 3-1 lead.
Anthony Edwards suffers left knee injury in Game 4, exits during second quarter
Anthony Edwards, a four-time All-Star and the Timberwolves' top scorer, left the game in the second quarter and did not return due to a left knee injury. Edwards leaped to block a shot and landed awkwardly on his left leg, causing him to drop to the court and clutch his knee in pain.
Nikola Jokic records 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists despite inefficient shooting
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic finished Game 4 with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. However, Jokic shot 8-for-22 from the field and missed all three of his 3-point attempts, contributing to Denver's inability to secure a road victory.
Ayo Dosunmu scores career-high 43 points off the bench for Timberwolves
Ayo Dosunmu came off the bench to score a career-high 43 points on 13-for-17 shooting for the Timberwolves. Dosunmu stepped up significantly in the absence of injured starters Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, helping Minnesota outscore Denver 62-42 in the second half.
Donte DiVincenzo suffers torn Achilles injury in Game 4 playoff game
Donte DiVincenzo sustained a torn Achilles tendon in his right leg during the opening minutes of Game 4 when he slipped to the court while chasing a ball. The injury ended not only his 2026 playoff season but will sideline him for most or all of the following season. DiVincenzo had been averaging 14.3 points per game in the playoffs and was shooting 11-of-22 from 3-point range through the first three games of the series.
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2 alternative perspectives
Wembanyama returns as Spurs advance to Game 5 with dominant victory
Spurs beat Blazers 114-93 in Game 4 with Wembanyama's return; San Antonio leads series 3-1.
Edwards, DiVincenzo sidelined as Timberwolves face injury crisis
Timberwolves lost Edwards and DiVincenzo to injuries in Game 4 despite defeating Nuggets 112-96.
Dosunmu erupts for 43 points as Timberwolves take series lead
Dosunmu's 43-point bench performance lifts Timberwolves past Nuggets 112-96 in Game 4.
Timberwolves lose Edwards, DiVincenzo to injuries in Game 4
Timberwolves lose Edwards and DiVincenzo to injuries in Game 4 against Denver.
Knicks and Hawks split series as playoff battle heads to New York
Knicks and Hawks split their playoff series 2-2; Game 5 heads to New York.
Thunder edge Suns in Game 3 as Booker deals with ankle injury
Thunder beat Suns 121-109 in Game 3 behind Gilgeous-Alexander's 42 points.
LeBron, Celtics-76ers advance historic milestones in 2026 playoffs
LeBron reaches 19th playoff appearance at 41; Celtics-76ers play historic 23rd series.
Three NBA stars sidelined as playoff injury wave intensifies
Four NBA stars are out with injuries affecting Rockets, 76ers, and Lakers playoff campaigns.
Spurs, Lakers, Celtics claim pivotal Game 3 victories
Spurs, Lakers, and Celtics each won pivotal Game 3 contests across three NBA playoff series.
Spurs stars earn individual honors despite playoff challenges
Spurs stars Wembanyama and Johnson earn major individual awards amid strong regular season.
Wembanyama ruled out for Game 3 as Blazers even series
Wembanyama unavailable for Game 3 after concussion; Blazers level series with 106-103 victory.