Spurs eliminate Blazers and end Splitter’s journey in the NBA with an unprecedented brand

By Thiago Lemos • April 29, 2026 • 5 min de leitura

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Photo: Tiago Splitter - Photo: @ tiagosplitter

The historic trajectory of coach Tiago Splitter in this NBA season came to an end this Tuesday, April 29th. Portland Trail Blazers was defeated by San Antonio Spurs 114 to 95 in the decisive match. The defeat sealed the elimination of the Portland team from the playoffs, after a first round series ended 4-1.

Apesar of the result, the Blazers campaign ends above initial expectations, marking a period of renewal and significant achievements for Brazilian basketball.

Line Fim to Portland after reaction attempt

Portland Trail Blazers’s team entered the court looking to extend the series, but faced a dominant San Antonio Spurs from the beginning. The home team built an advantage of more than 20 points on the scoreboard, dictating the pace of the game with consistency. Mesmo faced with disadvantage, Blazers demonstrated resilience. In the last quarter, the team managed to react significantly, cutting the difference to less than double digits and rekindling hope of a comeback. However, Spurs’s strength and tactical control prevailed, preventing Portland’s reaction from taking place. The consistency of the Texan team throughout the match was crucial in maintaining the lead and securing the victory, frustrating Blazers’s attempts to take the series to a sixth game.

Portland’s players fought bravely, but Spurs’s individual and collective superiority was a determining factor. The series, which ended in five games, showed the potential of the young Blazers squad, but also highlighted the need for greater experience and depth to compete at a high level in the playoffs. The season, despite the early elimination in the knockout stages, can be considered a success for the franchise. The team showed remarkable growth under new technical leadership and a promising style of play for the coming years in the league.

Tiago Splitter’s legacy as a historic coach

Mesmo with the elimination of his team, Tiago Splitter’s campaign in this 2026 season is celebrated as a historic milestone for national basketball. The former NBA player became the first Brazilian to take command of a team in the North American league, an unprecedented feat that opened doors and generated great visibility for Latino coaches. Sua’s ascension to Portland Trail Blazers’s top job had already been shocking news for the sports community.

Além Furthermore, Splitter not only commanded Blazers, but led them to the playoffs, a feat that many analysts did not predict at the start of the season. Esta classification alone already represented a big step for the Portland franchise, which was seeking restructuring and consistent results. Contudo, the Brazilian coach went further: he became the first Latino coach to win a knockout game in NBA history, adding another layer of pioneering spirit to his career. Essa’s victory, despite the final elimination of the series, is an unequivocal testimony to his leadership ability and his keen tactical vision, which managed to get the most out of the squad. Seu’s work not only raised the level of Brazilian basketball on international stages, showing the strength of the country’s professionals, but also served as an inspiration for future generations of athletes and coaches throughout América Latina, consolidating an important legacy. Splitter’s journey reinforces Brasil’s presence and influence in global sport, with his experience and success opening new doors for South American talent in the world’s biggest basketball league. Ele broke barriers and set new standards for Latino participation in the league.

Spurs advances with Wembanyama and Fox brilliance

San Antonio Spurs secured their place in the Conferência Oeste semi-finals driven by stellar performances from their top players. Victor Wembanyama, the young French sensation, was once again the highlight. Ele solidified his position as the leader of San Antonio’s rise and demonstrated his versatility on both ends of the court. Foi an unstoppable force in attack and a wall in defense.

Wembanyama’s performance in this decisive game was crucial to Spurs’s victory. Seu rebound control, ability to score and, above all, his intimidating presence in the paint were determining factors. The numbers of the French pivot and the Spurs point guard were impressive in the match that sealed the classification:

Victor Wembanyama:17 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 blocks.
De’Aaron Fox:21 points and 9 assists.

Wembanyama has achieved a rare feat in the playoffs: he is the first player since Andrei Kirilenko in 2007 to record six or more blocks in consecutive postseason games. De’Aaron Fox also played a decisive role, especially in the last quarter, when his plays controlled Portland’s attempted reaction and ensured peace of mind for Spurs. Sua’s ability to orchestrate the attack and convert important baskets was fundamental in the crucial moments of the confrontation.

Retorno from San Antonio to the leading role in Conferência Oeste

The victory over Portland Trail Blazers represents more than just a qualification for San Antonio Spurs. Marca the return of the traditional franchise to the Conferência Oeste semifinals. Isso took place after a nine-year hiatus, a period of rebuilding and waiting for the team. Esse’s achievement reinforces the team’s protagonism in the new era of the NBA, firmly established under the leadership of Victor Wembanyama. The last time Spurs reached this stage was in 2017, and since then the team has gone through a period of reconstruction.

The rebuilding of the franchise has been meticulously planned. The arrival of Wembanyama brought new dynamics and very high expectations to the team, which is now reaping the first fruits of this investment. The Frenchman’s generational talent, combined with the experience of the coaching staff and the evolution of other young talents, has transformed Spurs into a force to be reckoned with. The playoff campaign shows that San Antonio is back on the map of teams competing for the title. Eles promises significant challenges to any adversary that crosses their path. The local fans already see a bright future for Spurs.