Spurs lack of postseason experience has little impact as they advance in first playoffs since 2019

The San Antonio Spurs lack of postseason experience was not much of a factor in their first playoff series since 2019.

San Antonio held Portland under 100 points three times in capturing its Western Conference first-round playoff series in five games.

Victor Wembanyama had 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks, De’Aaron Fox added 21 points and San Antonio never trailed in eliminating Portland with a 114-95 victory Tuesday night in Game 5.

It was the first playoff series for Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and more than half of the team’s youthful core.

San Antonio advances to the conference semifinals for the first time since 2017 and will face the winner of the Denver-Minnesota series.