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The game didn't start well for Portland, as they looked nervous and tentative, spotting the Spurs an 8-0 lead before taking a timeout. Portland settled down a bit, but still fell behind by 9 within minutes. Then 11, as Blazer fans got increasingly nervous. The Blazers just couldn't hit a shot, whether it be a jumper or a layup, starting 3-for-20. Soon the Spurs lead was an easy 15 points. A Tony Parker three-pointer off an offensive rebound made the score 27-12 as Blazer fans facepalmed at the start.. Portland was lucky to only be down 13 at the end of the quarter.
Portland quickly cut it to 10 in the second quarter. One minute later it was 16 again. It was that kind of night. San Antonio's bench pushed the lead to 21 as the Blazers simply looked like they didn't deserve to be on the same court. The Blazers gave up two offensive rebounds for a three-pointer, then a fast break bucket. They fell behind 58-32, then 65-39 at halftime. The Spurs looked focused and relaxed, and the Blazers looked lost at both ends.
Portland cut the lead to 21 to open the third and looked to-- never mind. 29 point lead a few minutes later. Portland started getting the benefit of the doubt on foul calls, but were otherwise missing the rim on midrange jumpers. They were lucky to only be down 90-65 after the third.
Nothing important happened in the fourth. The Spurs took care of business as expected, and Blazers Coach Terry Stotts subbed in his bench to finish the game.
What's Next
Both teams get a day off in San Antonio, and play Game 2 Thursday evening.
In the meantime, stay tuned for plenty of postgame analysis from Dave Deckard and Ben Golliver.
Gameday Thread Comments of the Night!