Trail Blazers Miss NBA Cup Opportunity Against Spurs
Portland Trail Blazers couldn’t secure their qualification in Group C of the NBA Cup after losing 115-102 to the San Antonio Spurs at the Moda Center. The Spurs, for their part, took the victory and are preparing for their next decisive match in Denver. This tournament represents a valuable opportunity for both teams, who are looking to leave behind the last seasons without a presence in the playoffs.The absence of Jrue Holiday, added to the absences of Damian Lillard and Matisse Thybulle, reduced the playoff experience of the Blazers, who had Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III as the only players with experience in this phase. In contrast, San Antonio had a more experienced lineup, with Harrison Barnes, De’Aaron Fox, and Luke Kornet, as well as Kelly Olynyk and Lindy Waters III. However, the young core of the Spurs, including Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, and Victor Wembanyama, has yet to experience the postseason. San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson highlighted the importance of the upcoming game against the Nuggets, which will define the pass to the NBA Cup quarterfinals.“We wanted that victory. It was a good opportunity to advance in the Cup. We fought, we tried to be in the game. It was a tough game, a close game. I feel like it was a first taste of a playoff game,” declared Deni Avdija, Blazers player, who led his team with 37 points.
Deni Avdija
Fox, with 37 points, was key in the Spurs’ victory, scoring 23 points in the second half. “I couldn’t score anything in the first quarter, but the team still expects me to be aggressive, regardless of whether I’m making shots or not. Just keep pushing and I think I went to the free throw line 12 times, right?” Fox said. Coach Johnson praised Fox, highlighting his experience and leadership. For the Blazers, this loss is a learning opportunity.“Obviously, players want to get to Las Vegas, they want to play in the championship game. I don’t know how it will be in other locker rooms, but in the two I’ve been in, I don’t know if I’d say the guys are playing harder, but the guys know what’s at stake and it’s definitely mentioned,” commented De’Aaron Fox.
De’Aaron Fox
“I think it was a disappointing loss, but it was a good loss for us to learn from because we will be in those positions in the future. Obviously, we wanted to win, but definitely a good test for us in the years to come,” Avdija stated.
Deni Avdija
