Wembanyama’s ‘extremely difficult’ defense helps Spurs to first playoff series win since 2017

• San Antonio seal 4-1 series win over Portland

• Knicks one game from progressing after win over Hawks

Victor Wembanyama had 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks as the San Antonio Spurs eliminated the Portland Trail Blazers and won a playoff series for the first time since 2017.

De’Aaron Fox had 21 points, Julian Champagnie added 19 and Dylan Harper scored 17 for the Spurs, who led by as many as 28 in their 114-95 victory, which secured a 4-1 series win.