Following a close loss to Phoenix Sunday night, the Spurs played a complete game on Wednesday to remain in the running for the top seed (and the knockout rounds) in West Group C of the NBA Cup.
The intensity of the game was turned up to 100 right from the opening tip. Both teams executed plays to find open shooters, with Portland getting out to a fast 9-2 start. Following an early timeout from Mitch Johnson, the Spurs answered, as Devin Vassell hit back-to-back triples in the first four minutes of the match. The shooting then dried up on either side, turning the game into a mid-range battle. Deni Avdija stood out most, as he used his craft to create open looks while also bullying to the rim for tough finishes.
On a minutes restriction following three weeks off from a calf strain, Dylan Harper didn’t look any worse for wear physically. He used his footwork and strength to slither into the paint, but missed some easy bunnies he usually makes. Even so, the rookie still impacted the game by fighting for rebounds and dictating the pace, and it won’t take long before he’s fully up to speed. De’Aaron Fox, who started 0-5, also got going in the second quarter after a mid-ranger finally dropped. The game stayed competitive throughout the first half with no team leading by double digits, and the Spurs went into the break up 56-54.
Fox and Avdija stayed hot after halftime, trading buckets throughout the third. However, San Antonio’s role players stepped up too, allowing them to build a 12-point lead. Keldon Johnson provided his usual spark off the bench by crashing the boards and pumping up his team at every opportunity, while Julian Champagnie and Harrison Barnes made open shots and continued to be two of the Spurs’ most consistent players.
Meanwhile, Portland’s supporting cast continued to struggle, especially from deep. Toumani Camara and Jerami Grant combined to go just 2-16 from three, allowing the good guys to sag off of them and send more help to Avdija. As a result, the Blazers’ star ran out of gas too, missing five consecutive free throws after starting 7-7 and he managed to score just a single basket in the fourth. Since this was an NBA Cup game, though, the Spurs stayed aggressive, running up the score and emerging with a 115-102 victory to stay alive in West Group C.
Devin was instrumental in securing the victory, finishing with 23 points and a number of huge threes.
Next game: @ Nuggets on Friday
Undoubtedly the biggest game of the season so far: the Spurs need to win to advance in the NBA Cup.