No Wemby, no problem: Three takeaways from Spurs' Game 3 win over Trail Blazers

With the series tied 1-1 and their Defensive Player of the Year and MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama sidelined in concussion protocol, the San Antonio Spurs took Game 3 on the road, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 120-108.

Here are three key takeaways from Game 3:

Rookie takeover

Dylan Harper had just 5 points at halftime. He scored 22 in the second half, finishing with 27 on 9-of-12 shooting — 4-of-5 from 3,  5-of-6 from the line — and a game-high plus-24. He attacked Portland's closeouts, knocking down shots with confidence, making quick, decisive reads and finishing in traffic. He was unbelievable, becoming the second-youngest player in NBA history to score 20 points in a playoff game coming off the bench. Oh, and he’s the fourth rookie to have 25 points and 10 rebounds off the bench in a playoff game.

Carter Bryant didn't score, but he made his presence felt. He went 1-for-5 and finished with 3 points. He also had 4 blocks, 6 rebounds and closed the game plus-17. Bryant’s scrappiness on the glass led to four offensive rebounds and his defense was the deterrent the Spurs needed without Wembanyama. Mitch Johnson's decision to trust both of them in the second half of a playoff road game speaks volumes to their development and impact.

Second-year guard Stephon Castle was the engine underneath all of it, pacing the Spurs with 33 points (10-18 FG, 3-4 3PM, 10-11 FT) and 5 assists. Castle led the Spurs with 11 in the fourth and was locked in offensively all night.

Mitch Johnson's adjustment won the second half

Portland led by six at halftime and looked like the better team. Then Johnson went small. Between Harper’s explosive scoring and leaning on Bryant and Keldon Johnson, the Spurs’ bench brought the physical and defensive identity that was muted in the first half. It finished +61 for the game.

Together, that small-ball group changed Portland's approach at the rim, forced contested looks and made the Blazers' role players uncomfortable in the half-court throughout the second half. outscored Portland 61-43 after the break.