Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon led the charge with 27 points each. The Portland Trail Blazers capitalized on the absence of San Antonio’s rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, defeating the Spurs 134-128 on Friday. This victory allowed the Trail Blazers to even the score in their two-game series.
Wembanyama, San Antonio’s standout rookie, sat out due to rest, following an ankle issue earlier in the month. His performance the previous night had been impressive, with 30 points contributing to the Spurs’ 118-105 win.
Brogdon’s impact was not limited to scoring; he also dished out seven assists. Jabari Walker set a new personal best with 25 points, and rookie Scoot Henderson impressed with 21 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds.
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups praised Henderson’s performance, highlighting it as his best game so far. Henderson’s skill was on full display with a remarkable wrap-around assist to Matisse Thybulle, which left the audience and his teammates in awe.
“That was probably his best game so far,” Billups said about Henderson.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Keldon Johnson was a key contributor for San Antonio, scoring 27 points. Despite a late rally where the Spurs closed the gap to five, Portland’s 16-27 shooting from the three-point line proved too much to overcome.
“I thought we played horrendously, getting down by 26,” Popovich said. “They made shots, we didn’t make them, that’s the NBA. But their physicality, I thought, was great. Chauncey had them ready. They didn’t want to have a night like last night.”
In the first half, Grant and Henderson were instrumental in Portland’s dominance, with Grant scoring 20 points and Henderson contributing 11 points and seven assists. This effort helped Portland establish a 71-56 halftime lead, bolstered by points off turnovers.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Despite their win, the Trail Blazers were also playing without some key figures, missing their top scorer Anfernee Simons, for the second game in a row due to illness.
Looking ahead, the Spurs will be hosting the Boston Celtics on Sunday night, while the Trail Blazers are set to face the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
