Watch Live 6PM PDT - ESPN2
Total game impression:
Key contributions from Clingan, Murray, Rupert, and McGowen closed a 20 point gap to 4 points and made the Spurs sweat at the end.
Clingan was forcing shots that lead bricks. But his defensive contribution was able to show why he was a lottery pick. The 5 blocks and 13 rebounds showed gives me hope that his skills will translate at the NBA level. His conditioning is not at an NBA level yet, But he shouldn’t be playing much as a back up.
1st Quarter impressions:
Clingan was disturbing all the shots near the rim. Early turnover with passing to a ghost. Cant finish very well on the rim. Offensively, he has been forcing his shots.
Murray was able to show some flashes of why he belongs in the NBA, He just needs to be more aggressive.
Ryan Rupert was able to show off some ball handling. He has a promising start so far.
Minaya was forcing shots.
Other Blazers were non descript. The whole team can’t set a proper screen, allowing the Spurs to blow by easily. Turnovers for the Blazers were plentiful, allowing the Spurs to keep pulling ahead.