Portland Trail Blazers leaned on a historic all-around performance from Deni Avdija to secure a 115-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night at Frost Bank Center. The win improved Portland to 16-20 and marked its second straight victory.
Avdija recorded 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists for the first triple-double of his NBA career. He controlled the tempo throughout and finished with a team-high plus-10 rating in 39 minutes.
Donovan Clingan delivered the most productive scoring night of his career. The rookie center posted 24 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 9-for-12 from the field.
Toumani Camara added 20 points and eight rebounds as Portland led for all but 18 seconds of the game. The Trail Blazers set the tone early and maintained composure during multiple San Antonio rallies.
The Spurs entered the night winners of two straight but were short-handed. Victor Wembanyama missed the game with left knee soreness, while Devin Vassell sat out due to a strained left adductor.
San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson said Wembanyama remains day-to-day and is expected to travel with the team to Memphis. It was the second night of a back-to-back for both clubs.
Portland never trailed in the first half and built its lead to 15 points. San Antonio struggled from outside early, opening 3-for-12 from three-point range.
The Spurs briefly grabbed their only lead with five minutes left in the third quarter. Kelly Olynyk’s free throw following an off-ball foul gave San Antonio a 74-71 advantage.
That lead lasted just 18 seconds. Former Spurs forward Sidy Cissoko answered with a three-pointer to put Portland back in front.
The Trail Blazers then seized control with a 12-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters. That stretch pushed the margin to 93-80 with 10:36 remaining.
San Antonio made one final push late. De’Aaron Fox’s steal and assist to Stephon Castle for a breakaway dunk cut the deficit to 111-110 with 1:36 left.
Portland responded with efficient execution down the stretch. The visitors closed the game without allowing another Spurs basket.
Luke Kornet scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds for San Antonio, while Julian Champagnie added 20 points and 10 boards. Fox finished with 19 points, and Castle scored 16.
Portland shot 19-for-45 from three-point range compared to San Antonio’s 10-for-31. The Trail Blazers also won the rebounding battle 52-48.
Portland hosts Utah on Monday night. San Antonio travels to Memphis on Tuesday.
