Jerami Grant offered a direct breakdown of the Portland Trail Blazers’ second-half collapse in a 114-93 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, April 27, at Moda Center.
Grant pointed to San Antonio’s halftime adjustments as the turning point. “I think they just made the proper adjustments,” he said. “When we was getting behind in the screening rolls, catching a lot of lobs. They were getting open threes.”
The Spurs erased a 17-point deficit and controlled the third quarter with improved spacing and transition execution. Grant acknowledged the shift in defensive containment after halftime.
“They kind of figured it out,” Grant said. “Made it a little tough on us. So, we got to figure that out next time.”
Portland struggled to protect a first-half lead for the second time in the series, with momentum swings again defining the game. Grant emphasized composure as the main issue rather than effort.
“I think that kind of shows that we got the capability,” he said. “We just got to stay poised. We got to figure out how to combat their adjustments.”
The Blazers’ perimeter shooting continued to be a deciding factor in the series. San Antonio’s defensive coverage limited clean looks from three-point range across multiple stretches.
“It’s a little bit of both,” Grant said on the shooting struggles. “We’re not shooting it well, but also I think that’s their game plan. They’re running everybody up the line.”
He described how the Spurs’ defensive scheme forces Portland into difficult finishing situations inside the arc.
“Not really helping off shooters,” Grant said. “They’re trying to force you into the paint and where they can contest the shots at the rim.”
Victor Wembanyama’s return from concussion added another layer of difficulty for Portland’s offense. Grant highlighted his impact on both ends of the floor.
“Figuring out where he’s at on the court on the defensive end, also the offense end,” Grant said. “Trying to be physical when he’s on offense. But just trying to move him away from the rim.”
Grant also addressed his own performance, noting rhythm as the key difference compared to earlier games in the series.
“Just got a rhythm,” he said. “I played I think my average minutes tonight, so I was able to get a rhythm, hit a few shots early on.”
San Antonio’s defensive versatility, including switching and rim protection, remained a consistent challenge for Portland across the series.
“They’re doing a good job of keeping them low and switching on defense,” Grant said.
The Blazers now face a 3-1 series deficit heading into Game 5 in San Antonio, where elimination pressure will define the matchup.
Grant referenced Portland’s resilience throughout the season as the team looks to extend the series.
“We’ve been kind of doing this all year,” he said. “People counting us out, us coming back doing, proving people wrong and things like that. So yeah, we’re going to try to do it again on Tuesday.”
Portland will need to solve San Antonio’s defensive adjustments early in games to avoid another momentum reversal in the second half.
