The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 115-110. Deni Avdija led Portland with 29 points and a triple-double. The Spurs fought to regain control but fell short, according to Fox San Antonio.
The Spurs were without All-Star Victor Wembanyama due to knee soreness and Devin Vassell because of a strained left adductor. Despite a late steal by De’Aaron Fox and a breakaway dunk by Stephon Castle, Portland pulled away to win, according to KENS 5.
After the game, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson expressed frustration with the team’s hesitancy on offense. “I thought we missed some really good shots. Thought we turned down even more shots,” Johnson told KENS 5. “When you get a good shot, you got to take it regardless of what's been going on. If it's open and rhythm and it's the right shots for us or the team.”
Luke Kornet led the Spurs with 23 points and five blocked shots, but the team struggled against Portland’s strong defense. De’Aaron Fox told KENS 5, “They stay home with shooters, especially pick and roll. They have a really good shot blocker (Donovan Clingnan), and he sits back in the paint.” Despite a late rally, the Spurs were unable to overcome the Blazers’ strategy.
After trailing by as much as 15 points in the first half and briefly taking a slim lead in the third, the Spurs now turn their focus to their next game against the Grizzlies. Portland will prepare to host Utah following the win.
