SAN ANTONIO (AP) De’Aaron Fox scored 25 points, and the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 112-101 on Wednesday night, despite the absence of Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle due to injury.San Antonio (61-19) is 28-3 since February 1 and has its best record since 2017, when it made its final appearance in the Western Conference finals during a 22-year playoff run that includes five NBA championships.
Deni Avdija
Deni Avdija scored 27 points and Scoot Henderson added 20 for the Trail Blazers, who have lost two straight games following a three-game winning streak.Portland (40-40) is still tenth in the West, only two and a half games ahead of Golden State (37-42) entering the last weekend of the regular season.San Antonio has six players in double digits to compensate for the absence of the NBA’s previous two Rookie of the Year winners. Keldon Johnson scored 20 points, while rookie forward Carter Bryant added a season-high 17.
Trail Blazers
Wembanyama bruised a rib on Monday, and Castle is out with right knee pain. San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson says the Spurs aim to have both players available for Friday’s home game against Dallas.Wembanyama has to play at least 20 minutes in one more game to meet the league’s 65-game minimum for award eligibility.The Spurs began the game slowly, missing their initial three shots and committing a turnover within the first two minutes.
Fox got them started, scoring 10 points on 4-for-4 shooting in the first 4:13 to give the Spurs a 12-8 advantage. Fox was 10 for 20 from the field and led San Antonio in scoring for the first time since March 1.
San Antonio finished the first quarter with an 8-0 run, establishing its first double-digit lead in the opening seconds of the second.San Antonio completed the third quarter on a 13-2 run to build a four-point lead and cruise to its second straight victory.The Trail Blazers will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
Fox Takes Charge from the Opening Tip
With several key contributors unavailable, the Spurs needed someone to step up offensively. Fox answered the call immediately, attacking the basket aggressively and knocking down crucial shots throughout the contest.
The dynamic guard showcased his trademark speed and playmaking ability, keeping Portland’s defense under constant pressure. Whether finishing at the rim or creating opportunities for teammates, Fox consistently made the right decisions.
His 25-point performance came at critical moments, particularly when the Trail Blazers attempted to close the gap. Every time Portland threatened to make a run, Fox responded with a timely basket or key assist that helped San Antonio maintain control.
Spurs Overcome Injury Challenges
Entering the game with a depleted roster, the Spurs knew they would need contributions from across the lineup. Rather than relying solely on one player, San Antonio received valuable minutes from several role players who embraced expanded responsibilities.
The team’s ball movement was especially effective, creating open looks and forcing Portland’s defense to work hard on every possession. Defensively, the Spurs remained focused and disciplined, limiting easy scoring opportunities and controlling the pace of play.
Head coach and staff deserve credit for preparing the team despite the difficult circumstances. The Spurs displayed resilience and composure, qualities that have become increasingly important throughout the season.
Trail Blazers Struggle to Keep Pace
The Trail Blazers showed flashes of competitiveness but struggled to match San Antonio’s consistency. Portland managed to stay within striking distance during portions of the game, yet they found it difficult to contain Fox and the Spurs’ balanced offensive attack.
Defensive breakdowns and missed scoring opportunities prevented the Blazers from building sustained momentum. While individual players delivered solid performances, the team could not generate enough stops to slow San Antonio’s offense.
As the fourth quarter progressed, the Spurs continued to execute efficiently, gradually extending their lead and putting the game out of reach.
Team Effort Seals the Victory
Although Fox was the headline performer, San Antonio’s victory was ultimately the result of a complete team effort. Players throughout the rotation contributed with scoring, rebounding, and defensive intensity.
The Spurs also won several key statistical battles, including ball movement and transition scoring. Their ability to capitalize on opportunities while limiting mistakes helped them maintain a comfortable advantage throughout much of the second half.
These contributions allowed Fox to focus on leading the offense without carrying the entire burden himself.
Spurs Gain Momentum Moving Forward
The 112-101 victory provides a confidence boost for a Spurs team navigating injuries and lineup changes. Winning games under difficult circumstances demonstrates the depth and resilience of the roster.
For Fox, the performance served as another reminder of his value as a leader and offensive catalyst. His 25-point outing helped guide San Antonio to a hard-earned win and showcased the impact he can have when the team needs him most.
As the season continues, the Spurs will look to build on this momentum, while the Trail Blazers search for answers following another challenging defeat.
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