Scoot Henderson records a season-best 31 points as the Blazers level the series.
SAN ANTONIO — Scoot Henderson has spent three years adjusting to the NBA since being selected as the No. 3 overall pick in 2023. His progress has been hindered by injuries and the usual challenges of development, particularly when compared to those drafted before him, such as Victor Wembanyama from San Antonio and Chet Holmgren from Oklahoma City.
However, he made a timely contribution to the No. 7 seed Portland Trail Blazers, helping them secure a playoff victory on Wembanyama’s home court on Tuesday night. Henderson scored 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting, leading to a 106-103 victory that leveled the first-round playoff series at one game each, with Game 3 set for Friday.
“I’m so blessed to even play in a situation like this,” Henderson remarked. “Playoffs, third year, younger team, with great vets. The picture couldn’t have painted itself better.”
Henderson missed 52 games this season due to a severely torn hamstring. Upon his return to the lineup in early February, the Blazers were cautious with his playing time given the severity of his injury. He started only 10 of the 30 games he participated in this season.
This context makes his impressive 31-point performance on Tuesday particularly noteworthy, as he did not reach 30 points in any of his regular-season appearances.
“I don’t know if I have words for it,” said Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter. “That was the best game of the season for him, maybe his career. To have a game like that in playoffs against a great team like the Spurs, it’s something else. Not just offensively, but defensively. He carried us, scored when we needed, got stops and really won a game for us.”
Henderson and Wembanyama gained recognition during two exhibition matches in Las Vegas the year prior to their draft. Henderson played for the NBA Ignite, while Wembanyama represented his French team, the Metropolitans 92.
In the first game, Henderson led Ignite to victory with 28 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds. Wembanyama excelled in the second game, contributing 36 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks. It was a significant moment for both players.
While Wembanyama has thrived in his third season, earning the title of the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year and being a finalist for MVP, Henderson has faced challenges in establishing himself and maintaining his health.
“It was pretty bad,” Henderson described his hamstring injury. “It was a Grade 3-4ish. But I stayed at it every day, man. Our H&P [health & performance] helped me through. My team as well. It wasn’t easy to get over that hump. But I remain faithful. I prayed every day.”
On Tuesday morning, Henderson expressed a sense that he would have a standout game if he approached it with aggression and consistently attacked the paint.
“It’s just a feeling,” he explained. “I was just telling myself the night before, ‘Attack.’ They can’t mess with you. That was my goal to come in here and attack, get downhill, play hard, and whatever happens, happens.”
