of portland trailblazers Kick off your 6-game road trip in style on Wednesday night, San Antonio Spurs They won 128-112 at the AT&T Center for the third time in a row, finishing fifth in their last six games.
The Blazers returned to the furious first half, scoring a season-high 73 points and making it to the finish line after a disappointing third quarter. Damian Lillard led the way with 37 points, while Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 25.
first quarter
Both teams started the game cold from the field, but Portland was able to convert two offensive rebounds into second-chance points to gain an early separation. The Spurs eventually settled on attack and the score tightened, with Keita Bates-Diop serving as a go-to scoring option. Portland made a concerted effort to score an early paint touch from Jussuf Nurkic, while the Spurs played without starting center Jakob Poeltl and reserve Zach Collins due to injury.
The Blazers regained the lead midway through the quarter, producing excellent ball moves on the attacking side and quality looks that could connect. They led 39-28 at the end of the frame, with Lillard leading by 12 points. Portland shot his 65% from the field and caught fire from both inside and out after a slow start.
Second quarter
Portland attacked the rim repeatedly to start the frame against the smaller Spurs and push the pace as their lead ballooned to 18. San Antonio forced two turnovers to stop the bleeding, but Jerami Grant’s 3-pointer made Portland 56-37 at the 7-minute mark.
A Blazer turnover kept the Spurs in screaming distance again, but Portland’s hot shooting continued. Spurs center Charles Vassey picked up his third foul three minutes later, further frustrating the depth of San Antonio’s frontcourt as the Blazers held onto a 73–57 lead at halftime. , shooting 66% from the field and shooting 48% from 3-point range. Lillard finished the first half with 22 points.
third quarter
Coach Chauncey Billups called a quick timeout as Portland had two turnovers in the first two minutes and seven turnovers in the first half. The Spurs found success in the paint, gradually reducing the deficit as Portland’s offensive rhythm stalled. San Antonio pulled within single digits on a 4-point play by Devin Bussell with 4:42 remaining to take the score 85-78 following an 11-0 Spurs run.
Turnovers continued to plague the Blazers, who were within four points with 2:30 left in the frame. Lillard responded with back-to-back 3s, and Portland held his 97–89 advantage when the quarter-ending horn blew. San Antonio outscored the Blazers 32-24.
4th quarter
Portland upped their defensive intensity to start the final frame, but the Spurs were able to hit a number of impressive, contested layups. , with just under 7 minutes remaining. The Spurs scored no more and Portland turned sub with three minutes left to take the game.
next
Stay tuned for more analysis of tonight’s game at Blazer’s Edge.
The Blazers Expedition Continues Dallas Mavericks on friday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM PT from the American Airlines Center.
