Tooth And Nail: Avdija Loses Both As Spurs Bite Back To Seal Game 3 vs Blazers

Last Updated:April 25, 2026, 11:42 IST

Deni Avdija lost a tooth and got called for a foul in a brutal sequence as Spurs raliied past Blazers 120-108, taking a 2-1 lead in a tooth-and-nail Game 3 battle.

Deni Avdija got manhandled by the Spurs, who took their metaphorical pound of flesh in the form of a chipped tooth from the Blazers (AP)

The Portland Trail Blazers may have fought tooth and nail — quite literally — but there was no stopping the San Antonio Spurs from reclaiming the series lead tonight.

The San Antonio Spurs clawed their way to a 120-108 Game 3 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

But the lasting image? Deni Avdija walking away with a broken tooth and a foul against his name.

Avdija’s Tooth-and-Nail Ordeal

Late in the second quarter, Avdija took an elbow straight to the mouth from De’Aaron Fox, with the impact knocking out part of his incisor.

Initially, it looked like justice would be served. Fox was whistled for an offensive foul. But in a twist that summed up Portland’s night, the Spurs challenged the call and won.

Call overturned. Blocking foul on Avdija.

So, in short: Avdija lost a tooth and got penalised for it. Tooth and nail, indeed — and he came away with neither.

Spurs Bring The Bite Without Wemby

With Victor Wembanyama sidelined due to a concussion, Stephon Castle stepped up massively, pouring in 33 points. Dylan Harper added 27 points and 10 rebounds as the young duo took control.

They even made history, joining Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as the only under-21 pair to each score 25+ in a playoff game.

Blazers Let It Slip

Portland had their moment. Jrue Holiday led with 29 points, and the Blazers built a commanding 82-67 lead in the third quarter.

Then it all unraveled.

San Antonio ripped off a 21-5 run to flip the game, taking an 88-87 lead into the fourth — a lead they would eventually convert into the gritty win.

Game 4 heads back to Portland on Sunday.

(with AP inputs)

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