Trail Blazers @ Spurs Game Thread
The Spurs are a team that has consistently shot the ball efficiently from the field, free-throw line and from deep. Not to mention, they'll make you pay if you turn the ball over and this year is no different. San Antonio ranks 2nd in FG% (.488), 4th in 3-PT% (.381), 4th in FT% (.788), 5th in total turnovers forced (933), and 6th in Points off Turnovers (1080). As the numbers have shown, the Spurs rarely beat themselves, let alone at home where their 24-3 mark is tied for tops in the NBA. This means that the Trail Blazers must play smart, sound basketball. For Portland to take the season series from the Spurs, they must limit their turnovers, shoot over 45%, get to the line 20+ times and treat this game like a playoff game; every possession counts. In their 112-109 loss to SA back on November 10th, the Blazers gave up 57% shooting and allowed the Spurs 31 trips to the free-throw line. But during their 98-90 win on December 13th, the Blazers held the Spurs to just 45.8% shooting and found a way to take 88 shots compared to their 72. Defense, hustle, efficiency. Those are the three ingredients to a road win!
So Rip City, what are your keys to victory?
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