Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter highlighted team effort after his squad ended the Los Angeles Clippers’ five-game winning streak with a 114-104 victory on Tuesday at Intuit Dome.
Splitter said, “I think the attention to details that we talk throughout these last two days, offense on defense. I think we were connected. We talk more. We care more and that’s the result, to be honest.” He credited Jrue Holiday’s leadership in critical moments. “Jrue was amazing. Just hitting shots, making good decisions, attacking the people that we want to attack.”
The Blazers bench also drew praise from Splitter. “Matisse with very smart offense and defense. Kris, we had him there for 17 minutes in a row and he just stood there, crash every time on offense rebound, help on defense. Rob Williams is just, you know, his ability to switch against these high-level teams, protect the rim at the same time, and he was a plus 22, so it shows how much he changes the game.”
Splitter noted the team’s defensive composure, particularly during Clippers’ runs. “They were making some shots, Kawhi Leonard is very good, he’s going to shoot over you and make some shots. Same with Garland. A little bit of better defense, a couple of good shots and plays at the right moments, we could stop that run.”
He also addressed expectations from new owner Tom Dundon. “This is what he expected. He’s intense. He wants to win. He wants to look for perfection, and that’s what we’re trying to do. It’s not easy. We all know that, got a job to do and get better every day.”
Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, while Holiday added 30 points, hitting seven 3-pointers. Toumani Camara scored 17 points and Scoot Henderson finished with 15. Matisse Thybulle’s early 3-pointer gave Portland a lead they would not relinquish, maintaining control throughout the game.
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points, Darius Garland 20, Brook Lopez 18, John Collins 17, and Jordan Miller 16. Los Angeles grabbed 30 rebounds but struggled against Portland’s 18 offensive boards, which contributed to 32 second-chance points.
Splitter concluded by emphasizing consistency moving forward. “That’s what we’re looking for. Can we emulate this performance in the last five games of the season? That’s the goal.” The Blazers improve to 39-38, a half-game behind the Clippers in the Western Conference, as both teams prepare for their next games: Portland hosts New Orleans on Wednesday, and Los Angeles hosts San Antonio on Thursday.
