48 hours after Thursday night’s victory against the Denver Nuggets, any notion that the Portland Trail Blazers had advanced to a new level was dispelled.
The San Antonio Spurs, who have now won all three games, defeated the Blazers 114-94 to begin a two-game trip.
Despite shooting 46.4% against the Nuggets, the Blazers were unable to mount an offensive attack against the Spurs and, like most teams, were unable to contain big Victor Wembanyama.
The Blazers only made 12 of their 43 three-point attempts (27.9%) and shot 39.4% from the field.
At the Frost Bank Center, Blazers coach Chauncey Billups told reporters, “Obviously, we had a tough time scoring in the game.”
Before exiting the game with almost eight minutes left, Wembanyama had a career-high 30 points (15 in the third), seven rebounds, and 10 blocked shots.
Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons, who scored a season-high 55 points together against the Nuggets, scored 43 points against the Spurs.
Sharpe scored 25 points on 11 of 16 shots to lead the Blazers.
Billups remarked, “I loved that he was on the attack most of the night.” However, I felt that he had a difficult defensive night.
Despite only making 7 of 22 shots from the field and 3 of 11 from three-point range, Simons contributed 18 points. Of the team’s 13 turnovers, he was responsible for four of them.
In the first quarter, the Blazers only made 28.6% of their field goals, which was a disappointing start to the game. However, they were just 25–20 behind going into the second quarter.
With 4:10 left in the half, Simons sent an alley-oop pass to Deandre Ayton for a slam, cutting the Spurs’ lead to 41-39.
In an attempt to finish the half strong, Billups called a timeout at that point. Rather, the Blazers gave up basket after basket and made turnovers.
Donovan Clinton #23 of the Portland Trail Blazers fouls Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs after Wembanyama’s dunk in the first half at Frost Bank Center on December 21, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Image courtesy of Getty Images/Ronald Cortes)Getty Pictures
Then, according to Billups, they opened up the game a bit with 15 points in that brief period of time.
The Spurs led 60-44 at the half after outscoring the Blazers 19-5 to end the quarter. The Spurs had a 19-point lead in the third quarter and a 26-point lead in the fourth.
IMPORTANCE OF IT
Since November 20, the Spurs (15-13) have won four of their last five games, while the Blazers (9-19) have dropped 11 of 14. The final meeting between these two squads will take place in Portland on April 6.
This season, the Blazers have lost seven games by 20 points or more.
Since their victories over Minnesota on November 13 and Atlanta on November 17, the Blazers have not won consecutive games.
SHOTS BLOCKED
With 13 blocked shots, the Spurs tied the Blazers for the most this season. The Memphis Grizzlies blocked 13 shots during their wins over the Blazers on Nov. 10 and Nov. 25.
UPCOMING
The Blazers play at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Dallas Mavericks (18-10).
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
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