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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.
4th Quarter impression:
McGowens kept the grove he found in the 3rd quarter and into the 4th.
Rupert and Murrary has been aggressive. Rupert on the catch and shoot was almost automatic.
Blazers was able to close the gap with 11 points in the 4:30 mark, which was surprising. Portland closed the gap to 8 points around the 1:30 minute mark by launching threes.
Clingan was able to collect fouls by attacking the rim, crucial free throws from Clingan closed the gap to 6.