Quick Read
- San Antonio Spurs defeated Portland Trail Blazers 115-102 in NBA Cup group stage.
- De’Aaron Fox led Spurs with 37 points and 8 assists.
- Dylan Harper returned for Spurs after missing 10 games, scoring 7 points.
- Deni Avdija scored 37 points for Portland but struggled from the free-throw line.
- Spurs shot 88% from the line; Blazers shot 63%.
Fox’s Stellar Night Powers Spurs Past Blazers
On a brisk November evening in Portland, the San Antonio Spurs showcased the kind of resilience and star power that turns regular-season games into lasting memories. With the NBA Cup group stage heating up, all eyes were on the Moda Center as the Spurs outlasted the Trail Blazers 115-102—a contest defined by high-stakes moments, individual brilliance, and the subtle shifts that can make or break a team’s postseason ambitions.
De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs’ recently acquired point guard, led the charge with a dynamic 37-point, eight-assist performance. From his first step on the court, Fox played with a sense of urgency and flair that Portland simply couldn’t match. Whether it was a bank shot under pressure, a clutch three-pointer to close the half, or ice-cold free throws in the final minutes, Fox’s fingerprints were all over San Antonio’s victory.
Dylan Harper Returns, Spurs’ Depth on Display
But Fox wasn’t the only headline. For Spurs fans, rookie Dylan Harper’s return after a month-long absence was a moment of hope for the franchise’s future. Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, had missed ten games due to a strained left calf—a setback suffered in early November while defending a dunk against Phoenix. Wednesday night marked his sixth career game, and while his numbers (seven points, three rebounds, two assists in 16 minutes) may seem modest, coach Mitch Johnson saw something deeper.
“We needed all 16 and a half minutes of his,” Johnson told ESPN after the game. “It was just good to see him back on the court. He was great.” Harper himself acknowledged the challenge of regaining his rhythm, joking that he was “fried in 16 minutes.” Still, he looks forward to building chemistry with Fox—a combination that could become a nightmare for future opponents.
This matchup was the first time Fox and Harper shared the court in a regular season game, as Fox missed the season’s start with a hamstring injury. Their minutes together were limited—just 1:26 in the fourth quarter—but the potential was clear. Harper praised Fox’s basketball IQ and hinted at the creative possibilities ahead: “Playing with someone with such high IQ… just playing with him on the floor, I think is going to be a matchup nightmare for whoever.”
Blazers Rally, Avdija’s Heroics Fall Short
For Portland, Deni Avdija matched Fox’s output with 37 points and eight assists, refusing to let the Blazers fade quietly. At several points in the fourth quarter, Avdija seemed poised to turn the tide—cutting the deficit with a fierce dunk, hitting clutch shots, and keeping the home crowd hopeful. Yet, the details tell a harder truth: Avdija struggled from the free-throw line, going just 2 for 8 in the final period, including four straight misses that blunted Portland’s momentum.
Portland’s shooting woes extended beyond the stripe. The Blazers hit only 25% of their three-point attempts compared to San Antonio’s 33%. And while Kelly Olynyk’s layup gave the Spurs an 11-point cushion with five minutes left, Portland’s rally—sparked by a Toumani Camara three-pointer and a clear-path foul—stalled when Avdija missed two crucial free throws and the Blazers failed to capitalize on the ensuing possession.
Donovan Clingan and Shaedon Sharpe provided sparks for Portland; Sharpe returned from his own injury absence and managed 11 points in 18 minutes. But the Blazers’ late-game execution faltered, and each missed opportunity played into the Spurs’ hands.
NBA Cup Stakes and Injury Updates
This wasn’t just another regular-season win for San Antonio. By holding off the Blazers, the Spurs kept their NBA Cup hopes alive, maintaining a strong position in their group. The team’s free-throw shooting (88% on 22-of-25) reflected their focus under pressure—a stark contrast to Portland’s 63% from the line.
San Antonio’s injury situation remains fluid. While Harper made his long-awaited return, French sensation Victor Wembanyama (calf) and guard Stephon Castle (hip flexor) remain sidelined. According to ESPN, both are expected to be re-evaluated soon. For now, Harper’s reintegration and Fox’s leadership are the twin pillars keeping the Spurs competitive.
Up next, San Antonio faces a tough test on the road against the Denver Nuggets, while Portland will try to regroup at home versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both teams are navigating injuries and roster adjustments, but the Spurs’ blend of experience, emerging talent, and clutch shooting gives them a clear edge as the NBA Cup group stage heads toward its conclusion.
The story of this game isn’t just about a final score—it’s about the power of resilience and the difference a single player can make when the stakes are highest. Fox’s brilliance, Harper’s comeback, and the Spurs’ late-game poise signal a team ready to contend, even as they wait for their full roster to return. For Portland, Avdija’s effort was valiant, but the Blazers will need sharper execution to turn close contests into wins as the season grinds on.