Portland struggled to slow Wembanyama, with the 7-foot-3 rookie repeatedly driving momentum for the Spurs. Scoot Henderson urged his teammates to raise their physicality, saying the Blazers must be more aggressive and direct with Wembanyama and the Spurs’ rolls to the basket.
Henderson led Portland with 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting, while Deni Avdija provided a near-triple-double with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the opener. The Blazers were called for fewer fouls than San Antonio, 19-17, but that discipline did not translate into containment of Wembanyama.
Portland’s frontcourt of Donovan Clingan, Jerami Grant, and Robert Williams saw minutes against Wembanyama, yet none could truly slow him, and there were moments when he powered through contact for finishes at the rim.
Separately, Henderson reiterated a familiar belief about the 2023 draft, saying he still thinks he should have gone No. 1 over Wembanyama. He was ultimately selected third, with Brandon Miller going No. 2, a debate that followed him into his NBA career as he became a rising contributor for Portland.
The Blazers will look to respond in Game 2, set for Tuesday in San Antonio, with Game 3 scheduled in Portland on Friday. Portland aims to level the series by elevating pressure and improving their defensive approach against Wembanyama in the next matchup.
