The Portland Trail Blazers faced the San Antonio Spurs in an exciting match at the Moda Center, hoping to secure Group C in the NBA Cup. However, the Spurs thwarted their plans, taking the victory with a score of 115-102. This match represented a valuable opportunity for both teams, who are looking to leave behind seasons without a presence in the playoffs.
The absence of Jrue Holiday, added to those of Damian Lillard and Matisse Thybulle, diminished the experience of the Blazers, who had Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III, as the only players with playoff experience. On the other hand, the Spurs had more experience, with Harrison Barnes, De’Aaron Fox and Luke Kornet, as well as Kelly Olynyk and Lindy Waters III. The young Spurs core, composed of Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, and Victor Wembanyama, has yet to taste the excitement of the postseason. San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson highlighted the importance of the upcoming game against the Nuggets, which will define the pass to the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup.We wanted that victory. It was a great opportunity to advance in the Cup. We fought, we tried to stay in the game. It was a tough, close game.
Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers player
Fox, with 37 points, tied Avdija’s mark and was key to keeping the Spurs’ aspirations alive in the Cup. The Spurs player highlighted his performance from the free-throw line, where he made all 12 attempts, after having made 14 of 16 the previous Sunday.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 play harder, but the guys know what’s at stake and it’s definitely mentioned.
De’Aaron Fox, Spurs player
As the Spurs advance in the NBA Cup, Portland will seek to learn from this experience, which will serve them in the future.It’s nice to see him in a Spurs jersey, finding his rhythm a bit, even if he hasn’t been here long.
Mitch Johnson, Spurs coach
I think it was a disappointing loss, but it was a good loss for us to learn from because we’ll be in those positions in the future.
Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers player
