The Portland Trail Blazers faced the San Antonio Spurs at the Moda Center on Wednesday night, hoping to secure Group C in the NBA Cup tournament. However, the Spurs thwarted their plans, taking the victory with a score of 115-102. For both teams, this tournament represents an opportunity to play meaningful matches after spending recent seasons out of contention for the playoffs.
Avdija, who led the Blazers with 37 points, highlighted the intensity of the match, comparing it to a playoff game. He acknowledged that the team, with little experience in these instances, has a lot to learn from this defeat. The absence of key players like Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, and Matisse Thybulle, due to injuries, limited the Blazers’ experience on the court, with only two players with playoff experience. The Spurs, on the other hand, had more veteran presence in their starting lineup. 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. De’Aaron Fox, with 37 points, was key in the Spurs’ victory.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, close match.
Deni Avdija
Fox, who had an outstanding performance, highlighted the importance of maintaining aggressiveness in the game, regardless of the shots scored. His performance was crucial in keeping the Spurs in the running. As San Antonio advances in the NBA Cup, Portland will seek to capitalize on the lessons learned in this encounter, with an eye to the future.Obviously, the guys want to get to Las Vegas, they want to play in the championship game.
De’Aaron Fox
