The San Antonio Spurs won 118-116 at the Moda Center on Friday night after Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija’s halfcourt heave harmlessly went off the backcourt as time ran out.
After Spurs center Victor Wembanyama scored two free throws to put his side ahead, the Blazers took possession with 2.4 seconds left for the game’s last shot.
In a frenzied back-and-forth in the game’s last few minutes, that moment put an end to the scoring.
“As a team, I felt we let our guard down,” stated Chauncey Billups, coach of the Blazers.
After a 46-point third quarter that resulted in a 17-point advantage in the fourth quarter, the Blazers looked to have won the game.
However, when the Spurs outscored the Blazers 30–11 in the last eight minutes, everything fell apart.
According to Billups, I believed that we collectively let our guard down. The way they increased their pressure was fantastic.
The Blazers were led by Jerami Grant, who scored 32 points on 12 of 19 shots, including 8 of 10 three-pointers.
Anfernee Simons had seven assists and 30 points. Deni Avdija scored 19 goals and provided four assists after coming off the bench.
The Blazers shot 79.2% from the field and 8 of 10 from three-point range to win the third quarter 46-28.
Thirteen of their 19 field goal attempts included an assist. Grant made 8 of 10 shots, including 6 of 7 from long range, to score 22 points in the quarter.
Billups claimed that Jerami caught fire.
The Spurs had an incredible first quarter, leading 33–25 after shooting 72.2 from the field and making 5 of 6 three-pointers.
Chris Paul, the point guard, led the way with five points, four assists, and three rebounds in just 11 minutes. However, Paul was expelled for acting irascibly toward an authority.
On December 13, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots the ball over Blake Wesley #14 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Moda Center.(Image courtesy of Getty Images/Soobum Im)Getty Pictures
Without Paul, the Spurs performed far worse, scoring just 19 points in the second quarter. However, the Blazers were unable to capitalize, scoring only 17 points and committing six turnovers.
At the break, San Antonio had a 52–42 lead.
Billups remarked, “Man, we just really couldn’t get it offensively in the first half.”
The Spurs shot 51.8% and the Blazers, who were much better in the second half, gave up 16 second-chance points.
IMPORTANCE OF IT
Since winning three straight games at home in November, the Blazers (8–17) have now dropped nine of their last 11 games and five in a row.
It was the Spurs’ second consecutive victory (13–12).
CLINGAN IS BACK
Donovan Clingan, a rookie center, made his comeback after missing seven games due to a sprained knee.
In the first half of an NBA basketball game on Friday, December 13, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, 23-year-old center Donovan Clingan of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs. (Photo by Amanda Loman/AP) APAP
Billups started Jabari Walker at center as Clingan was limited in minutes.
Clingan scored six points and pulled down seven rebounds in seven minutes after coming off the bench.
Robert Williams III (concussion) was listed as questionable but stayed out. Due to illness, Deandre Ayton also missed action.
UPCOMING
The Blazers visit the Phoenix Suns (12-11) on Sunday at 5 p.m.
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
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