Spurs Rookies Castle and Harper Make NBA Playoff History in Comeback Win Over Trail Blazers
San Antonio Spurs rookies Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper etched their names into NBA history on April 24, 2026, combining for 60 points to lead the Spurs to a stunning 120-108 comeback victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series — becoming the only duo aged 21 or younger to each score 25 or more points in the same playoff game.
Background
The Spurs entered Game 3 without their star player Victor Wembanyama, who entered concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in Game 2. The absence of the French phenom, widely regarded as one of the most talented young players in NBA history, left San Antonio heavily reliant on its rookie class to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Trail Blazers, sensing an opportunity, built a 15-point second-half lead before the Spurs mounted their remarkable comeback.
Key Developments
Stephon Castle, 21, was the catalyst for San Antonio's resurgence, finishing with a game-high 33 points — making him the youngest player in Spurs franchise history to score over 30 points in a playoff game at 21 years and 171 days old. Castle's combination of aggressive drives to the basket, mid-range pull-ups, and clutch free-throw shooting kept the Spurs within striking distance throughout the third quarter before they surged ahead in the fourth.
Dylan Harper, 20, was equally impressive off the bench, pouring in 27 points on efficient shooting to complement Castle's heroics. Together, they became the only pair of players aged 21 or younger to each score 25 or more points in the same playoff game in NBA history, joining a list of legendary young duos that includes Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
The victory gave the Spurs a 2-1 series lead over Portland, putting them in the driver's seat to advance to the second round. The performance drew widespread praise from around the league, with many observers noting that the Spurs' rookie class may be the most talented in a generation.
Why It Matters
The emergence of Castle and Harper as legitimate playoff performers — even in the absence of Wembanyama — suggests that the Spurs' rebuild is ahead of schedule. San Antonio, which has been rebuilding since the end of the Gregg Popovich era, now appears to have multiple franchise cornerstones capable of competing at the highest level. The performance also raises the stakes for Wembanyama's potential return, as the Spurs have shown they can win without him.
What's Next
Game 4 of the Spurs-Trail Blazers series is scheduled for April 26 in Portland. Wembanyama's status remains uncertain, with the team providing no timeline for his return from concussion protocol. If the Spurs can win Game 4, they will have a chance to close out the series at home in Game 5.
Sources: NBA.com; Inquirer Sports
