NBA Playoffs April 22: Wembanyama Concussion, SGA Drops 37

Three first-round NBA playoff games on Wednesday produced a concussion scare for a generational star, a 37-point night for the reigning Most Valuable Player and a history-making defensive quarter from a franchise returning to the postseason stage after nearly two decades.

Wembanyama Concussed as Blazers Steal Game 2

Portland erased a 14-point deficit in the final 8:18 to beat the San Antonio Spurs 106-103 and even the series at 1-1. Rookie Scoot Henderson led the Blazers with 31 points on five made three-pointers. Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was diagnosed with a concussion after a hard fall at the 8:57 mark of the second quarter on a foul by Jrue Holiday. NBA protocol requires a minimum 48 hours before a concussed player can return, casting uncertainty over San Antonio's Game 3 availability.

Thunder Roll Behind SGA

Oklahoma City beat Phoenix 120-107 to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posted 37 points and nine assists, while Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams each added 19 points. Williams left in the third quarter with a left hamstring injury. Phoenix was led by Dillon Brooks with 30, Devin Booker with 22 and Jalen Green with 21, per ESPN and NBC Sports.

Pistons Erupt at Home

Detroit crushed Orlando 98-83 to square the series at 1-1, securing its first home playoff win since 2008. The Pistons outscored the Magic by 22 points in the third quarter, opened the second half on a 30-3 run and finished with 11 blocks and nine steals. Their seven blocks in the first quarter set a franchise postseason record, according to NBA.com and CBS Sports.

The night's storyline centered on Wembanyama's health, but the Thunder's dominance and the Pistons' revival were reminders that the first round is delivering both marquee names and long-awaited revivals.