De’Aaron Fox scored 25 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 112-101 on Wednesday night. The Spurs managed the win despite injuries to Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.
San Antonio’s record is now 61-19. This is their best record since 2017, their last appearance in the Western Conference finals.
Blazers’ Struggles Continue
The Trail Blazers have lost two straight after a three-game winning streak. Deni Avdija scored 27 points for the Trail Blazers, and Scoot Henderson added 20.
Portland’s record is 40-40. They remain ninth in the West, just 2 1/2 games ahead of Golden State.
Spurs Overcome Sluggish Start
San Antonio had six players in double figures. This offset the absence of the NBA’s past two Rookie of the Year winners. Keldon Johnson scored 20 points, and rookie forward Carter Bryant added a season-high 17.
Wembanyama bruised a rib on Monday, and Castle is out with right knee soreness. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said the Spurs are hopeful both will play in Friday’s home game against Dallas.
Wembanyama needs to play at least 20 minutes in one more game to reach the league-required minimum of 65 games for award eligibility.
The Spurs got off to a sluggish start, missing their first three shots and committing a turnover in the opening two minutes.
Fox got them rolling, scoring 10 points on 4-for-4 shooting in the first 4:13 to stake the Spurs to a 12-8 lead. Fox finished 10 for 20 from the field in leading San Antonio in scoring for the first time since March 1.
San Antonio closed the first quarter on an 8-0 run to set up its first double-digit lead in the opening seconds of the second.
Key Moments in the Second Half
San Antonio closed the third quarter on a 13-2 spurt. This expanded a four-point lead and helped them roll to their second straight victory.
The Trail Blazers host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
The Spurs host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday.