The Portland Trail Blazers' hopes of advancing in the NBA Cup have been dashed after a disappointing 115-102 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Despite entering the game as slight favourites, playing at home against a Spurs team missing key players like Victor Wembanyama, the Blazers simply couldn't find their shooting touch when it mattered most.
The Spurs, however, capitalised on the Blazers' struggles, with De'Aaron Fox leading the charge with a stellar 37-point performance. The Spurs' ability to knock down shots, especially from beyond the arc, proved to be the difference-maker in this crucial contest.
Blazers' Shooting Woes Exposed
The Blazers' Achilles' heel – their lack of consistent three-point shooting – was once again their undoing. The team shot a dismal 25% from beyond the arc, a far cry from what's needed to compete in today's NBA. Deni Avdija's 5-of-8 performance from three highlighted the stark contrast between his shooting and the rest of the Blazers' roster, who collectively shot a paltry 4-of-36 (11.1%).
This isn't a new problem for Portland. They've consistently ranked near the bottom of the league in three-point percentage over the past two seasons, and currently sit third-worst in the association at 32.7%. It's a glaring weakness that opposing teams have been able to exploit, and it ultimately cost them a chance to advance in the NBA Cup.
Spurs' Victory a Testament to Team Effort
While Fox's individual brilliance was undeniable, the Spurs' victory was a testament to their overall team effort. They played with discipline and executed their game plan effectively, taking advantage of the Blazers' offensive struggles. The Spurs' ability to limit turnovers and force the Blazers into difficult shots proved crucial in securing the win.
The loss is a bitter pill to swallow for the Blazers, who had high hopes for the NBA Cup. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the areas they need to improve if they want to compete with the league's elite. Adding more consistent shooters to the roster should be a top priority for General Manager Joe Cronin.
What's Next?
With their NBA Cup hopes dashed, the Blazers will now turn their attention to the regular season. They'll need to find a way to address their shooting woes and improve their overall consistency if they want to make a playoff push. For the Spurs, this victory provides a valuable boost of confidence as they continue to develop their young roster and compete in a tough Western Conference.