As the Portland Trail Blazers notched a good win in San Antonio, let’s wander around the forest of the Internet to pick up the sticks of postgame content.
Immediately after the game, Blazers reporter Brooke Olzendam’s on-court mic failed for her interview with Deni Avdija, so she got an assist from Blazers commentator Kevin Calabro who loaned Olzendam his headset:
Blazers Head Coach Tiago Splitter talked about the Blazers keeping their composure late, Donovan Clingan’s confidence, Toumani Camara’s
fourth quarter, and Sidy Sissoko’s two-way contract, among other topics:
Blazers center Donovan Clingan was all smiles in his postgame availability, including talking about how he had to take a fourth three after he hit his first three:
Daniel Sprague of SBN sister site Pounding the Rock wrote about how Spurs center Luke Kornet had a season-high 23 points in the loss:
Luke Kornet led the way with a season-high 23 points (10-12 FG), eight rebounds, five blocks, and three assists. Luke was nearly unstoppable in the paint on both ends. Not only did he record a season-high in points, but his five blocks also tied his season-high. He remains one of the best backup centers in the league, and an amazing insurance policy for Wemby. As he continues having the best season of his career, you can always count on him to finish a lob with a jam!
Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express also wrote about Kornet’s solid play… but how San Antonio is more than ready to welcome back Victor Wembanyama:
The 7-foot-1, 270-pound Kornet posted season highs for points (23) and blocks (five), but the Trail Blazers prevailed 115-110 Saturday night at the Frost Bank Center thanks in large part to the 7-foot-3, 280-pound Clingan finishing with a career-high 24 points and 12 rebounds and Deni Avdija recording 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his third triple-double of the season. As good as Kornet was in his 19th start of the season and second consecutive, the Spurs wouldn’t mind seeing him come off the bench again in relief of Victor Wembanyama, who turned 22 on Sunday. That could happen as soon as Tuesday night when the Spurs face the Grizzlies.
User Kazekid on the Blazers subreddit’s postgame thread found the comedy in a bunch of missed Portland free throws:
If I had to choose one Blazer player to hit a clutch free throw to save my life, I’m just going to write my will.
The Blazers put out a highlight reel for Deni Avdija’s triple double…
…and they did the same for Clingan’s big night:
Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson tipped his cap to the Blazers’ defense and talked about San Antonio passing up good shots.
And per usual, we had both an instant recap and an extended recap from yesterday’s victory.
The Blazers face the Utah Jazz tomorrow, Mon. Jan. 5 at 7pm Pacific in Portland.
