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00:00:00The seventh seed Portland Trailblazers entered the playoffs through the play-in tournament and won game two a couple days
00:00:08ago in Texas.
00:00:09The number two seed San Antonio Spurs had a 60-win season, but again are without Rembenyama, which is where
00:00:19we start tonight.
00:00:20Good evening, everyone. Kevin Harlan with Hall of Famers Candice Parker and Dwayne Wade.
00:00:26But tonight, we begin with our reporter, Allie Clifton.
00:00:31Thanks so much, Kevin. As you just mentioned, it has been officially ruled that Victor Wimbenyama will be out for
00:00:36tonight's Game 3.
00:00:37This coming after being listed as questionable.
00:00:39Going through shoot-around this morning and even moments ago, taking the floor to get a little workout in.
00:00:43This workout coming, as I'm told, after the team already officially ruled him out, which was at about 6 p
00:00:48.m. tonight.
00:00:49I'm told since waking up Wednesday morning after entering protocol, Kevin, it's been his goal to return as soon as
00:00:54possible.
00:00:55The good news, first say, he's absolutely progressing, is doing well, and that is huge positive news.
00:01:01Now, as of tonight, he will be on the bench. You will see him despite not playing, and there is
00:01:05no word just yet on his status for Game 4.
00:01:08Kevin?
00:01:08All right, Allie, we thank you for that update. Dwayne, what do you think?
00:01:11Well, no Wimbeny, no safety net. This is about collective toughness now.
00:01:16Defend together, move the ball, and prove that you're not a one-man team.
00:01:20Well, listen, the Spurs are 12-6 without Wimbeny, and I think the key to that is De'Aaron Fox.
00:01:25I think it's pushing pace, and I think it's playing fast, right?
00:01:29Let's talk about how we got here, how this series got tied at one apiece.
00:01:33And back in Game 1, it was Wimbenyama, who was absolutely terrific.
00:01:38Well, Game 1 wasn't just a win. It was Wimbeny taking over the game.
00:01:41He erased the paint on one end and owned it on the other.
00:01:44And when you have a player that controls that kind of space, it impacts everything, shot selection, confidence, and pace.
00:01:50When he's doing that, San Antonio isn't just playing, they're dictating.
00:01:54Game 2 was the Scoop Henderson show.
00:01:58He started fast, 13 first-quarter points.
00:02:01He led the way, took efficient shots.
00:02:04And really, the Trailblazers were able to close the lead down with that 18
00:02:09and really prove that they're a solid clutch team.
00:02:12Now, in that Game 2 and in that second quarter, this is when Wimbenyama goes down.
00:02:19He's been in concussion protocol.
00:02:21Allie had that story moments ago.
00:02:23She'll get more detailed as we get into the game.
00:02:26But he has been working out.
00:02:28Okay, all that being said, let's talk about how the Spurs respond.
00:02:33What do they need to do in the absence of Wimbenyama?
00:02:36Well, this is why they went out and acquired De'Aaron Fox is for games like this.
00:02:39In the playoff-like game against Portland, an NBA Cup group, he had 37 and 8 assists.
00:02:45He's just shooting 29% from 3 since March.
00:02:49He needs to push pace.
00:02:50He needs to get in the paint.
00:02:51And he needs to create offense for his teammates.
00:02:55And Stephon Castle, we know he brings explosion.
00:02:57He brings defense.
00:02:58And he brings toughness.
00:03:00Listen, his value is how he shifts the energy of this game.
00:03:03He guards multiple positions.
00:03:05He attacks with force, and doing that kind of work wins possessions, Kevin.
00:03:09All right, let's now swing our attention to the 42-win Portland Trailblazers.
00:03:14First time, like I said, in five years.
00:03:16They are going to the postseason.
00:03:18They've got an all-star, Denny Avdia.
00:03:20And moments ago, he caught up with our Allie Clifton.
00:03:24Thanks so much, Kevin.
00:03:26Denny, you said you wanted the big games.
00:03:28You live for these moments.
00:03:29What's going to be the biggest key as a squad to set the tone for the first five minutes?
00:03:33I think just being aggressive.
00:03:34I feel like we've done it most of the series.
00:03:36You know, every game in the series is a big game for us.
00:03:38I think we're playing together.
00:03:39I think we're setting the tone pretty early in those two games.
00:03:42And I think we've got to continue that.
00:03:43My crew is just breaking down how much a master you are at getting downhill.
00:03:48What's going to be required to find that success over and over tonight?
00:03:52Just do it again and again.
00:03:53I feel like just trying to make the right play.
00:03:55You know, I drive not only to score, but also make place runners, break the pain, and create rotations.
00:04:01That's what I do.
00:04:02I'm going to do it every often.
00:04:03It gets my guys going and it gets me going.
00:04:05So, I'm going to keep doing that.
00:04:06I know you're tough, but I know you said you've gotten bruised up a little bit through the first two
00:04:09games.
00:04:10How's the body feel?
00:04:11It feels good.
00:04:11I'm bedded up.
00:04:12I'm fine.
00:04:12I'm ready to go.
00:04:13Denny, I appreciate the time.
00:04:14I'm sorry?
00:04:15I appreciate the time.
00:04:16Thank you so much.
00:04:16Catch back.
00:04:17All right.
00:04:18Let's talk about the Blazers' approach tonight.
00:04:20Not going against Wimbenyama.
00:04:22Yeah, not going against Wimbenyama.
00:04:23But this is not just blocks.
00:04:24It's his presence.
00:04:25He changes decisions before the shot even happens.
00:04:28And once he's off the floor, Portland gets downhill with confidence.
00:04:32Yes, Portland relying heavily on Denny.
00:04:34Denny feeds the NBA in drives per game at 19.
00:04:38His drives have gone up in this playoff series.
00:04:40And for a Portland Trailblazer team that struggles from beyond the arc, they're going to have to depend on the
00:04:45pain.
00:04:45In that game two, the Blazers won.
00:04:48So, they get home court advantage.
00:04:50Scoot Henderson, his game two performance, 31 points, magnificent.
00:04:54Well, with Scoot, it's not just about his skills.
00:04:56His coach raves about how he studies the game, the attention to detail.
00:05:00The jumper improved with the work, but it's his reads, his pace, and his decisions.
00:05:05That's where you see his real growth.
00:05:08An emerging player, one of many in this game tonight, featuring the San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trailblazers, tied
00:05:17at one apiece.
00:05:18This is the NBA on Prime.
00:05:27So, how will you respond to me?
00:05:31He has a concussion and he's in the protocol.
00:05:33Next man up, we all got to step up.
00:05:35We know we have three more games to win.
00:05:37It's going to be loud.
00:05:38So, I'm in front of Rip City.
00:05:39Do you shrink?
00:05:42Or rise up?
00:05:43Get out of the way!
00:05:44Spurs, blazes, game three.
00:05:48Make some noise.
00:05:56And welcome to the NBA playoffs presented by Google.
00:06:00With first round coverage on Prime presented by Lilly.
00:06:04They have been filling this place for many, many years.
00:06:07But it's been a while since they've hosted a playoff game.
00:06:10But they do tonight after a five year absence.
00:06:13The seven-seed Portland Trailblazers taking on the two-seed San Antonio Spurs.
00:06:30There's Avnia, who is right now not the center of what they do, Candace Parker.
00:06:37But he's a big part of it.
00:06:39Emerging this year as an all-star.
00:06:41Filling every category.
00:06:43And he had a terrific game one with 30 points and 10 rebounds.
00:06:48But it was a Spurs win in game two.
00:06:51He had 14 points.
00:06:52More of a contributing role.
00:06:54But his presence is very clear.
00:06:57Well, Denny Avdia puts pressure on your defense consistently.
00:07:01He drives more than anyone in the NBA, including SGA.
00:07:05He gets to the paint, and he depends heavily on the free throw line.
00:07:09I mean, he puts pressure on your defense, and he opens up the offense for the others.
00:07:14And he opens up the offense for the others.
00:07:29So that's why we're wagging and not getting underway.
00:07:32But there's a lot to celebrate here, and everybody on their feet.
00:07:35And what was a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest.
00:07:39In game one, they lost by 13.
00:07:41Game two, they won by three.
00:07:43And they came, Dwayne, from 14 points down and finished on a 27-10 run to win game two in
00:07:53San Antonio.
00:07:54Well, just a resilient performance by this group.
00:07:59I mean, I don't think a lot of people would have picked them to be even in the playoffs.
00:08:03But they've continued to improve and continue to get better.
00:08:06And you know what, Kevin?
00:08:06You know what travels in the NBA and in the playoffs?
00:08:10Defense.
00:08:10This team is built on the defensive end of the floor.
00:08:14So San Antonio tonight, with the aforementioned Wembenyama now playing,
00:08:20the replacement will be Luke Cornett.
00:08:23And in the place of Wembenyama, he's done a very good job.
00:08:26All right, there's the starting five, Candice.
00:08:28How about a couple matchups you're going to watch tonight?
00:08:30And then, Dwayne, I want to hear what you have to say.
00:08:32Well, the key to this San Antonio offense with Wembe out is De'Aaron Fox.
00:08:36His ability to organize, set up, pick and choose when to play fast, when to set up.
00:08:42But on the other end, you talk about a guy, Drew Holiday, that has done this consistently.
00:08:48He's won two championships with the Bucs, with the Celtics.
00:08:51He's a guy that is going to be your point of attack defender and is also going to be relied
00:08:56on to organize the offense.
00:08:57You're right, Candice.
00:08:58And even just staying on the guards, I mean, Scoot Henderson, you know, the speed that he brings,
00:09:02the pressure and the downhill aggression, you know, these pack that him and Drew Holiday has is the same.
00:09:09And then on the other end, Stephon Castle.
00:09:11I mean, like we talked about in the beginning, his explosion, his defense, his toughness, his impact is felt.
00:09:17And they're going to need it tonight without Wembe.
00:09:19You know, Donovan Klingon is the second-year starting center for the Blazers.
00:09:23He has not had a very solid or reflective playoff series so far.
00:09:29What he did in the regular season was terrific.
00:09:31So not going up against Wembe and Yama, playing back at home, may give him a little bit of confidence
00:09:36as he battles Cornette tonight.
00:09:38Well, we saw Klingon kind of get back to what he did in the regular season.
00:09:42He was top in offensive rebounds.
00:09:44And you saw that activity, especially when Wembe went out in that second quarter.
00:09:49All right, our officials tonight here on Portland, the crew chief is James Williams.
00:09:54This is his 81st playoff game.
00:09:57Our referee is Kevin Scott, his 57th postseason game officiated.
00:10:02The umpire, Brian Forte, his 52nd playoff game.
00:10:07So an experience and terrific crew.
00:10:09The alternate is Dedrick Taylor.
00:10:11In the replay center, Curtis Blair, J.B. DeRosa.
00:10:16So in the regular season, San Antonio won the three-game series.
00:10:23And here they are in the best of seven, tied at one, and going ahead.
00:10:28San Antonio had a 62-win season.
00:10:32The Blazers had to win in Phoenix in a playing game.
00:10:36They won that on a big night for Avdia.
00:10:39And that puts them as the number seven seed in a quick turnover, and Henderson boots it away.
00:10:46And if you're the home team having stolen a game on the road, it being 1-1, it is crucial
00:10:51that you start off well to get this crowd involved in this game.
00:10:56It's Champagne and Cornette on top.
00:10:58Defense!
00:11:00Michelle trying to get free, and there's a whistle, and there's a quick, San Antonio foul.
00:11:04And Kamara, one of the best at taking offensive charges in this league.
00:11:09I mean, he moves his feet, chest in front.
00:11:15No choice but to push off to try to come off that handoff.
00:11:18I mean, it's just annoying defense.
00:11:21Yeah, that's the only kind of defenders that you want to call somebody and be like, please, get him off
00:11:26of me.
00:11:26Klingon, three.
00:11:28Got it, and that is a good sign for him.
00:11:31As he knocks in the three-point shot.
00:11:34It is his second of this series on his tenth deployment.
00:11:40Stephane Kessel.
00:11:41And there's Cornette.
00:11:43In to Klingon with a series of moves.
00:11:46Rebound Klingon inside.
00:11:51Javier.
00:11:52He'll face a lot of traffic.
00:11:54Klingon again.
00:11:56Another three.
00:11:58It's Cornette with a rebound.
00:12:00This place would have went crazy.
00:12:03He would have knocked that one down.
00:12:06Kessel are faking a try for two.
00:12:08And you're going to see a lot of Stephane Kessel getting downhill.
00:12:11I love that he did not settle, especially in that first quarter in game two.
00:12:15He got to the paint.
00:12:16Oh, oh, oh, oh.
00:12:17Avdia was driving.
00:12:19Ball knocked away.
00:12:20Shot clock at 17.
00:12:22What a season it's been.
00:12:23Tiago Splitter was under Chauncey Billups.
00:12:26And then Billups had the well-known issue that he had to step aside.
00:12:30Splitter comes in.
00:12:31Here's a three.
00:12:32Henderson knocks her down.
00:12:34One, two, three.
00:12:40We talked about, Candace, his improved jump shot.
00:12:43He's put so much work in.
00:12:44They said he spent about four or five months just focusing on the details when it came to
00:12:49his jump shot, understanding what was needed from him.
00:12:51And we were able to talk to coach Tiago Splitter before the game.
00:12:55And he said, Scoot Henderson came into the season with a great offseason, got hurt, and
00:13:00it gave him an opportunity to work on his jump shot, step out on the outside, and watch
00:13:05the game.
00:13:06And it made him better when he came back.
00:13:08Avdia tries to go in.
00:13:09Cornette will meet him.
00:13:12Back on top to Holiday.
00:13:13Boy, he's had a lot of assists here to get the first two games in.
00:13:18Fake three.
00:13:20Avdia no.
00:13:21Nice rebound inside.
00:13:22Champagny.
00:13:23And Kessler the other way.
00:13:27Holiday there.
00:13:28The bump and the fadeaway.
00:13:30Clinging another rebound.
00:13:32Avdia on the move.
00:13:34Drew Holiday.
00:13:34Oh, with a nice move between the legs and Clinging and back to Holiday.
00:13:38He'll put up a three.
00:13:41Rebound.
00:13:42Fox.
00:13:42Foul.
00:13:43Clinging.
00:13:46Mitch Johnson is the coach and the youngest head coach in the Western Conference playoffs
00:13:52at 39 years of age.
00:13:54Greg Popovich has his fingerprints not only on Mitch, but also on Tiago Splitter, who he
00:13:59coached with the Spurs.
00:14:01Coach Pop watching back in San Antonio.
00:14:03Castle right there.
00:14:05Clinging thought he had the clean block.
00:14:07It's a foul.
00:14:08It could be number two.
00:14:09He wants it challenged.
00:14:12And Castle is motioning to, yeah, review this because it is a foul.
00:14:19And this is what I'm talking about, the physicality of Stephon Castle going at you downhill.
00:14:25I mean, it just puts pressure on your defense, especially with Wimby being out.
00:14:31You want to put pressure on the rim against a Blazers team that is outstanding defensively.
00:14:35Yeah, you can tell that Stephon Castle took that loss personally.
00:14:41Not attacking the way he wanted to or having the results the way he wanted to in game two.
00:14:45And so he's coming out really intentional early in this game to make sure that he put his head down,
00:14:50he put his shoulder down, and he attacked the basket.
00:14:52Rob Williams is going to check in with the two fouls on Donovan Clingon.
00:14:56And Williams has played well so far in the first two games.
00:14:59Well, this changes Coach Tiago Splitter's rotations a little bit.
00:15:04Robert Williams coming in a little bit earlier than he normally does.
00:15:07But Williams is a five that is a rim roller.
00:15:10He's active, and he can switch one to five defensively.
00:15:15Here's Scoot Henderson.
00:15:17De'Aaron Fox is right there.
00:15:19Williams has had 11 points each game.
00:15:21And the Coxon Price.
00:15:23It may have been in the cylinder.
00:15:25Don't wipe it away.
00:15:26Interference.
00:15:27Don't count it.
00:15:28And you can see Obdi's eyes light up as the lane has not looked like that very much this series.
00:15:37Well, just great off-ball movement right there to get in the paint.
00:15:42That's what he's going to live at.
00:15:43He's one of the guys, he's one of the best in our league at getting down to that paint.
00:15:46But just great off-ball movement.
00:15:48Castle.
00:15:49That'll skip it off to Cornette.
00:15:50Knocked away.
00:15:51Kamara got it.
00:15:53Back in the hands.
00:15:55Of Henderson.
00:15:56Three.
00:16:00And it is on display.
00:16:03And by it, I mean the confidence of Scoot Henderson.
00:16:06Working on that jump shot.
00:16:08Having himself averaging 24 points in this playoff series.
00:16:11Castle to Cornette.
00:16:13Pretty play.
00:16:13They get the two inside.
00:16:15Well, great pass by Castle once again.
00:16:17Putting pressure on the defense.
00:16:18Making the defense have to react.
00:16:20And the big is going to step up.
00:16:21And just finding his hand.
00:16:27What a pass and what a finish.
00:16:29And that is Robert Williams in the half court in a nutshell.
00:16:33Throw it up at the rim and he'll go get it.
00:16:35Man.
00:16:35It's Fox.
00:16:37Long shot.
00:16:39No.
00:16:39Kamara snares the rebound.
00:16:44You talk about Robin Williams.
00:16:45You talk about increased minutes.
00:16:47They said they managed his minutes very well throughout the regular season.
00:16:50Just for this moment right here.
00:16:52He's going to have increased minutes tonight with foul trouble back.
00:16:54The big fella.
00:16:57Champagny.
00:16:58The steal and the two at the other end.
00:17:00Nice transition by San Antonio.
00:17:03And that was a key.
00:17:05Coach Tiago Splitter said they have to take care of the ball.
00:17:09Especially at home.
00:17:10No live ball turnovers.
00:17:12Williams a scream.
00:17:13And Henderson worked his way with a nice brazzle-tazzle move.
00:17:16And Scoot is starting right where he started off last game.
00:17:19He had 13 first quarter points in game two.
00:17:2319 in the first half.
00:17:25He just looks comfortable.
00:17:27He does, man.
00:17:28He's one of the shifty guys.
00:17:29Once he gets down in that paint, as we see Obdi lobbing to Williams,
00:17:33but he's just really shifty down in that paint.
00:17:35And one thing Coach said is really important for all the kids out there.
00:17:38He's a student of the game.
00:17:40He watches a lot of film.
00:17:41And he came ready even after being hurt.
00:17:45It's Howard A for three.
00:17:47Fox with a rebound.
00:17:49Here comes De'Aaron Fox, the two-time All-Star.
00:17:53Look at the defense.
00:17:55All over the place.
00:17:57Cornette.
00:17:59Castle aims from three over Williams.
00:18:02Nails it.
00:18:05Stephon Castle, last year's Rookie of the Year in the NBA.
00:18:09I'm a big fan of Stephon Castle.
00:18:11I love a guy who he can score the basketball,
00:18:14but also, too, this is the sound of the ball,
00:18:16which he really loves.
00:18:17He loves playing defense.
00:18:18He loves mixing it up.
00:18:19And Drew Holiday is just, he's just tough, man.
00:18:23Switch to the left hand at the last minute.
00:18:25Like Dwayne Wade there for a second.
00:18:28Fox will drive.
00:18:31And Cornette on top with a nice green and room for Castle in his three.
00:18:36And I loved the three before that.
00:18:39On that, the ball never touched the paint.
00:18:42You've got to put pressure on the Blazers' defense.
00:18:44And on the back side, Stephon Castle can take that three.
00:18:47You know, he was feeling it on that canvas.
00:18:49It was a heat check.
00:18:51It was one of the heat checks early.
00:18:53Abdiah, nice dribble.
00:18:55Inside, double.
00:18:55Knocked away, Cornette.
00:18:57Holiday on top.
00:18:58Kamara, three.
00:18:59No, no.
00:19:03But it's back to Holiday.
00:19:05Taking it in.
00:19:06Driving on Fox.
00:19:07In the wing.
00:19:08Abdiah, three.
00:19:09No.
00:19:10Cornette the rebound.
00:19:11And the Blazers are getting good luck.
00:19:13Good luck from beyond.
00:19:15They're just shooting 28% in the regular season.
00:19:18They're 30% from three in the regular season.
00:19:21Fox will put that in with a nice move to get that shot away.
00:19:25Sound like my three-point percentage for my career, Candace.
00:19:30By the way, when Wendman Yama doesn't play, Fox averages eight more points a game.
00:19:35Holiday inside.
00:19:36Nice defense by the Spurs.
00:19:38Swatting the ball away.
00:19:40Champagny leads the drive.
00:19:41Castle on the move.
00:19:43Got tripped up.
00:19:44Down he goes.
00:19:44Hurt his hand.
00:19:50It's fast.
00:19:51It's furious.
00:19:52It's game three.
00:19:54The Spurs.
00:19:54The Blazers.
00:19:56You're watching the NBA on Prime.
00:20:01Be back in the Rose City.
00:20:03Two-point lead for the Blazers.
00:20:05And for those of you just joining us, an update on Victor Wendman Yama
00:20:09with our Allie Clifton.
00:20:10Absolutely, Kevin.
00:20:11It was the big storyline coming into this one.
00:20:13Victor Wendman Yama officially ruled out just by going through Super Bowl this morning.
00:20:16Even getting a little workout pregame.
00:20:18And this ruling came at about 6 p.m. tonight.
00:20:21The Spurs telling me, though, he is absolutely continuing to progress and is doing well.
00:20:26No word has been made just yet on his status for Game 4, Kevin, but it is a Spurs squad.
00:20:30As we know, despite not having their start tonight, they are confident they can still get this job done.
00:20:35Good stuff, Allie.
00:20:37And thank you for being on that story all day.
00:20:39You were watching him practice this morning after her long flight in for Minneapolis overnight.
00:20:44We appreciate the extra work.
00:20:45Here's Castle on top.
00:20:47And Henderson will be on him.
00:20:52Carter Bryant has checked in the game for the first time for the Spurs.
00:20:56A turnover with Grant into Williams and picked up on the play by Kelvin Johnson.
00:21:01Just awarded the sixth man award in the NBA.
00:21:04Castle down the lane.
00:21:05Oh, he flew high.
00:21:07And hit Stephon Castle hanging out in the middle of the floor.
00:21:11You got to pick him up earlier.
00:21:12When he gets ahead of Steve, good luck.
00:21:14He's got nine quick points.
00:21:17And the Spurs have tied it at 15.
00:21:20Long shot, Henderson, no.
00:21:22Rebound smeared inside Johnson.
00:21:24Well, this is how you attack your first playoff game as a young fella.
00:21:28Live in the pain.
00:21:30Go where you comfortable are.
00:21:31As Kelton Johnson, try to do the same thing.
00:21:33But you live in the pain.
00:21:34You make sure you play to your strengths early on.
00:21:36The rookie, Carter Bryant, just picked up a foul.
00:21:39Four and a half to go here in the first quarter.
00:21:42Bryant, number one.
00:21:43Blazers have grown a little cold here.
00:21:46They've got six consecutive missed shots.
00:21:49So let's go back to the Wembenyama thing because it looms over this game and this series so much.
00:21:55Things that Mitch Johnson told you, Candice, before the game about him not being in with Henderson driving hard.
00:22:01Knocked away.
00:22:02And here they come again.
00:22:31And the Spurs with a drive and a lean.
00:22:33Asked Coach Johnson, what are the keys with Wembe out?
00:22:36And he said running, space, and passing.
00:22:39And so far, the Spurs have moved the ball from side to side and they've gotten up and down in
00:22:45the past three.
00:22:48Avdi on top.
00:22:49Champagny will defend.
00:22:51There's a defensive three.
00:22:53With 4-9 to go here in the first.
00:22:57And San Antonio, 6 of 11.
00:23:00And the Blazers, 6 of 18 to the floor.
00:23:04Avdi to the line.
00:23:05He goes to the line as much as any single player in the NBA's third most free throw attempts this
00:23:11season.
00:23:12Yes, but had only up until, in the first two games, taken 11 free throws.
00:23:16So he was 7 of 11.
00:23:18At times, he does get it in there.
00:23:20Is it a foul?
00:23:21Maybe, maybe not.
00:23:23But in the playoffs, the physicality steps up.
00:23:26Yeah, you've got to play through it right there.
00:23:29Avdi into Johnson.
00:23:30The foul called.
00:23:31Keldon Johnson will pick it up.
00:23:32Well, normally, you know, once you're not getting that call, you kind of shy away from the contact and you
00:23:37start doing something else.
00:23:38And Coach Tiago Splitter told us, he told him, no, you've got to keep going.
00:23:43You've got to keep doing it.
00:23:44You've got to let them know that you've arrived and this is who you are.
00:23:46But you've got to show everyone that you're willing to continue to take those hits.
00:23:51Avdi at the line.
00:23:53Again.
00:23:55Portland is led by as many as five.
00:24:01So we welcome our new audience watching the Rockets and the Lakers.
00:24:05Good evening from Portland.
00:24:06A tied series and a terrific fan base that has had a lot of history with pro basketball in this
00:24:12city.
00:24:12Every seat is filled, festive outside.
00:24:16We've got the first time in the playoffs for the Blazers in five years.
00:24:21San Antonio tonight without Victor Rembenyama.
00:24:24A game two concussion.
00:24:27Outside.
00:24:27Here's his shot.
00:24:28Carter Bryant can hit.
00:24:30Rebound by Grant.
00:24:31And here come the Blazers who won game two.
00:24:34In the corner, Scoot Henderson coming off a 31-point game two for Portland.
00:24:39He'll dance on Carter.
00:24:40And put up a two.
00:24:41Rebound inside.
00:24:43It's Stephon Castle with the rebound.
00:24:46Lost game one.
00:24:481-11 to 98.
00:24:49Harper will take the three.
00:24:51It is up and down.
00:24:52Big time shot for San Antonio.
00:24:53What a luxury to have number two pick coming in off the bench, knocking down threes.
00:24:59He's one of those guys that can defend to make your squad better.
00:25:03And Jack Hammons at home.
00:25:07Second one tonight.
00:25:09And every time it's thrilling to see him fly.
00:25:12They got an amazing connection.
00:25:15I thought he lost the ball.
00:25:16It went so high.
00:25:17It felt like it was going to be a turnover.
00:25:19But just the connection between those two.
00:25:20They had a big lob at the end of game two.
00:25:23That kind of put the game in their hands.
00:25:25And there go again.
00:25:26The lob to Robert Williams.
00:25:28Ooh.
00:25:29That was nasty.
00:25:30Well, as you know, D-Wade, there are certain guys that are crucial in series.
00:25:34Robert Williams is one of those.
00:25:35He's going to play more minutes than he played in the regular season.
00:25:37They tried to protect him to get him to this point.
00:25:40But he is making an impact thus far.
00:25:42We're just under three minutes to go in the first quarter in this game three.
00:25:47The Blazers and the Spurs.
00:25:53From Portland, NBA on Prime tonight.
00:25:56Brought to you by Capital One.
00:25:57What's in your wallet?
00:25:59By Deepwater.
00:26:01See it only in theaters May 1st.
00:26:03And it's rated R.
00:26:04Uh-oh.
00:26:05And by Liquid IV.
00:26:09Thiago Splitter, a champion with the Spurs.
00:26:12And a great competition.
00:26:12He's in 2014 now the first-year coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.
00:26:18Has got his team in the playoffs for the first time in five years.
00:26:23Taking the place of Johnson Phillips.
00:26:24Kevin Harlan, Candace Barker, and Dwayne Wade.
00:26:28Glad you're with us tonight.
00:26:29After we've seen a couple of interesting games to start the night.
00:26:32The third of our triple header here on Prime.
00:26:35So no Wembenyama, that's been our headline.
00:26:37And it has been the cloud over this game.
00:26:40He could play in a couple days.
00:26:41We don't know.
00:26:42But still in concussion protocol.
00:26:44First of all, your thoughts without him playing, Dwayne.
00:26:46And where this team goes tonight the rest of the way.
00:26:49Well, I know Candace was really looking forward to watching Wembeny play tonight.
00:26:53But he is definitely their defensive anchor.
00:26:55And offensively as well.
00:26:57So without him, we've got to see what kind of game they're going to bring.
00:26:59They've had success without him throughout the regular season.
00:27:02And the playoffs is different, but they're handling it good early on.
00:27:05Well, you're going to see, based off of help side,
00:27:07Wembeny is one of the best help side defenders.
00:27:10And it doesn't matter if you get into the paint and he's out of the lane.
00:27:13With his length and athleticism, he can block it.
00:27:16So I look for Portland to go to the lane.
00:27:18And, geez, Stephon Castles.
00:27:20Just right into Rob Williams with a nice spin move.
00:27:23And Williams, I think, got hit in the chops.
00:27:27Low to come back the other way.
00:27:29Timeout taken.
00:27:30The Blazers have taken it.
00:27:32Williams is a little dazed.
00:27:34Let's watch what happened here.
00:27:36Yep.
00:27:37Shoulder.
00:27:37He caught it.
00:27:39Right on the chin.
00:27:42Williams is a rugged rascal.
00:27:44And he'll shake it off.
00:27:46He's in for Klingon, who's got two early fouls.
00:27:48We're tied at 20 on Bryan.
00:27:53There's fans here in the Pacific Northwest.
00:27:55Let's talk about the effect home crowds have in a playoff series.
00:27:58And if you want to dive deeper into this or any NBA playoff topic, ask AI mode in Google search.
00:28:09Boy, they're excited about their team.
00:28:11Of course, the history of pro basketball in the city is terrific.
00:28:14Bill Walton, Jack Ramsey.
00:28:16I mean, Maurice Lucas.
00:28:17They've had so many wonderful players.
00:28:19I'm with Terry Porter.
00:28:20And, of course, Damian Lillard here for so many years.
00:28:23Who is on the team again.
00:28:24He's back there.
00:28:25Still rehabbing from a torn Achilles last year with Milwaukee.
00:28:29There he is.
00:28:31I'm sure he'll come back in this series.
00:28:33You talk about clutch.
00:28:35Mr. Clutch.
00:28:36Dame time.
00:28:38Holliday takes it in on Johnson.
00:28:40Great play.
00:28:41Great play out of the break to get Holliday downhill to his strong hand, which is his left hand.
00:28:47But shout out to Rip City.
00:28:49They finally get playoff basketball back after five years.
00:28:52Shout out to this crowd in the city.
00:28:55Champagny three.
00:28:56Got it.
00:28:56Now, he takes about 75% of his shots from downtown.
00:29:00So, he's a guy that has just given San Antonio their first lead tonight.
00:29:05Well, the Spurs depend heavily on getting the ball in the paint.
00:29:08Champagny does a great job of opening things up to allow his rim drivers.
00:29:13Look at them swarm Avdia inside.
00:29:15In the corner, cramp three.
00:29:25It just feels like Drew Holliday makes all the right reads and all the right plays.
00:29:30I know Coach has to feel so much confidence knowing that he has a guy that can settle them
00:29:35at any moment.
00:29:36Castle takes it in.
00:29:38Kamara defending.
00:29:39Kamara drives the foul for the Blazers.
00:29:41Stephon Castle plays like a seasoned vet.
00:29:45Yes, he does.
00:29:45And he's in his second year.
00:29:49He gets into the paint.
00:29:51He makes the defense make a mistake and then immediately goes up.
00:29:55D-Wade, I saw that a couple times, but it wasn't a year two for you.
00:29:58It was about year four or five.
00:29:59No, no, Candace, don't do that.
00:30:01It was year three, actually.
00:30:03You remember.
00:30:06Castle's a 73% free throw shooter.
00:30:08Let's take a look at the upcoming playoff schedule tomorrow.
00:30:12Peacock and NBC.
00:30:13Pistons, Magic, Thunder Suns, Knicks Hawks.
00:30:18And then tomorrow on ABC, Nuggets Wolves.
00:30:22And for more on these games, go to NBA.com.
00:30:24Was it the NBA app?
00:30:26It's Cruz in Minneapolis.
00:30:28Last night watching the Wolves again go right at Denver and take it.
00:30:32Two games to one lead over Jokic and the Nuggets.
00:30:36And the key is physicality for Key Wolves.
00:30:38And obviously the Blazers are the home team.
00:30:41And you're trying to go up too long on the upper seat.
00:30:43You've got to bring the physicality and get to the paint.
00:30:46Harper with a nice lunge.
00:30:47Ricochets the ball away.
00:30:49Shot clock at 10.
00:30:5164 seconds in the first quarter.
00:30:53Spurs have led by one.
00:30:55Portland is led by as many as five.
00:30:57We've had three times.
00:30:58Can I just say this?
00:30:59This is my first back-to-back in seven years, guys.
00:31:04Look at the drive here.
00:31:06Holiday in traffic and got it to go.
00:31:08It is 20th season in the NBA.
00:31:11Six for Drew Holiday.
00:31:13He's a guy you want on your team.
00:31:15You don't want to play against him.
00:31:17You want him on your team because he impacts winning.
00:31:20Harper, three.
00:31:21No.
00:31:22It's a rebound.
00:31:24Blazers have it.
00:31:26Two for one here.
00:31:27Here's Holiday going inside.
00:31:28Williams, a nice catch, and a foul as he was shoved.
00:31:31As San Antonio had a foul to give.
00:31:34I said 20.
00:31:35I put three more years.
00:31:36He's in his 17th season, but he plays with the experience that all those 17 years and two championships would
00:31:44fuel into a series with a young team like this.
00:31:47Yeah, he does all the loud things, but he does all the quiet things as well.
00:31:50The little things.
00:31:51That's what you love about Drew.
00:31:53It's not all for the highlights.
00:31:54It's for the wins.
00:31:55And so he does all the little things that a coach loves.
00:31:58When Thiago was talking about him, he just lit up talking about the ability to be able to coach this
00:32:03two-time champion.
00:32:04And boy, is he off to a great start in the first two games of the series in assists.
00:32:07Yes.
00:32:08You talk about somebody that has been in every playoff situation.
00:32:13He impacts winning.
00:32:15Milwaukee impacts winning loss in Celtics.
00:32:17He's a guy that will defend one-on-one and then also come down and organize your offense.
00:32:21Kamara drives.
00:32:22Williams clings it up.
00:32:26So Klingon is on the bench with two early fouls.
00:32:29Williams has come in, and he has starred.
00:32:31He's had two consecutive games of 11 points apiece.
00:32:36Six tonight, 7-1 run by the Blazers.
00:32:39Difference of about six seconds, five and a half seconds.
00:32:42Game clock, shot clock.
00:32:44It's De'Aaron Fox back in the game.
00:32:46Holiday there.
00:32:47Fox sets in the corner.
00:32:49It's a three, and it's put down, and Cornette knocks it through.
00:32:54Yeah, once they touch the paint, it changes everything.
00:32:56We talked about it even last night in Minnesota.
00:32:58Once you get in the paint, that inside-out three right there is they—oh.
00:33:03Oh, no, they had a shot there at the end on the next lead by Rob Williams.
00:33:11That was a terrific first quarter.
00:33:13Play close.
00:33:14Blazers by two at the end of one.
00:33:17They led by as many as five.
00:33:19You're watching the NBA playoffs presented by Google on Prime.
00:33:28Look at tonight's live update presented by FanDuel.
00:33:31You see the numbers right there.
00:33:33The Blazers already have 11 more shot attempts than San Antonio.
00:33:38And Rob Williams taking the place at Klingen with two early fouls.
00:33:42Klingen back in right now.
00:33:43Williams put his fingerprints on this one.
00:33:45Yeah, well, Williams was a plus 13 in game two, really through his activity on the defensive end,
00:33:51impacting shots at the rim, his activity on offense as a lob threat.
00:33:56So we've seen in that first quarter his impact.
00:34:00Jaden Sharp is in.
00:34:01Fiebel is in.
00:34:02Klingen back in.
00:34:03And here goes a beautiful pass on a drive and a finish right there
00:34:07by the man replacing Nguyen Binyama tonight, Luke Cornett.
00:34:11Puts it down.
00:34:12And Cornett now has got seven.
00:34:15But Klingen over Cornett.
00:34:18Rebound picked up and claimed down there by Fiebel,
00:34:21who's in the game for the first time for the Blazers.
00:34:23At the end of the first quarter,
00:34:25Ken has not talked about who do we want to see get into this action.
00:34:28It's De'Aaron Fox.
00:34:29And he come right out in the second quarter just with a lot of patience to the lob.
00:34:33And then on this end, get a deflection as well.
00:34:35So De'Aaron Fox gets into this game
00:34:37and really gets into the space that Cassie Wayne
00:34:40and makes sure he lives in that paint.
00:34:41It's going to be a tough night.
00:34:43Fox on Grant.
00:34:44Cornett goes out on Fiebel.
00:34:46And there's a violation, shot clock violation.
00:34:51And so let's set the lineups
00:34:53because we've got some new players in there.
00:34:54We mentioned Grant.
00:34:56They got Shaden Sharp in the contest,
00:34:58clinging back out there after starting.
00:35:00Fiebel is in the game.
00:35:02Holiday remains on the floor.
00:35:03That's the Blazer 5.
00:35:04Here with the ball now is De'Aaron Fox.
00:35:07He'll take the shot.
00:35:08Over Fiebel.
00:35:09Rebound inside.
00:35:10Klingin lost it.
00:35:11The nice, aggressive move inside by Cornett.
00:35:14That may be a third foul on Klingin
00:35:16if they call it on the big center.
00:35:21Looked out for him.
00:35:23You see Sharp and Holiday both raise their hand.
00:35:26Good teammates right there, man.
00:35:28That's what you say.
00:35:29Put your hands up right away.
00:35:30Put it up quickly, right?
00:35:31Yeah.
00:35:31Shaden Sharp will pick up number one.
00:35:35On top, Harrison Barnes,
00:35:36who hurt his left wrist the other night,
00:35:38but he's back in playing tonight.
00:35:41Once again, Drew Holiday doing an incredible job.
00:35:44We talked about,
00:35:47as Dillon Harper gets down to paint
00:35:49where San Antonio is living,
00:35:51Drew Holiday doing a great job on Bissell,
00:35:53just making it tough on him,
00:35:54top blocking him, getting into him,
00:35:56not giving him any airspace.
00:36:00Outside, Fiebel three.
00:36:02And Bissell will collect the loose ball.
00:36:05And the Spurs picking and choosing
00:36:06what they want to live with.
00:36:07They want to protect the paint.
00:36:09Corlin's going to have to knock down
00:36:11a couple threes to loosen it up
00:36:12as Bissell on that side
00:36:14gets going with his first bucket of the game.
00:36:17Bissell coming off a double-double.
00:36:19His second this season.
00:36:2016 points, 12 rebounds in game two.
00:36:24It's a 7-0 San Antonio run.
00:36:27Outside, Holiday will kill a three
00:36:30and bring the Blazers to within two.
00:36:33The other, and Bissell, three, no.
00:36:36And the rebound collected by Fiebel.
00:36:38And now, here's Holiday.
00:36:41Patience right here, Candace.
00:36:43Making sure that he gets the spot he want to get to.
00:36:46He doesn't do it.
00:36:47Oh, as he turns the ball over.
00:36:48I think I was about to look for him.
00:36:49Bissell!
00:36:54A little miscommunication between Klingen and Drew Holiday,
00:36:58but a rare mistake from the Sammy Vett.
00:37:03You don't make many.
00:37:0538% shooting for the Blazers.
00:37:08And fighting inside, Sheetan Sharp.
00:37:11With a rebound by De'Aaron Fox.
00:37:13Spurs on the move.
00:37:15And the trailing Cornette,
00:37:17who's hit a three tonight,
00:37:18sets the stream, Fox in traffic.
00:37:20Cornette inside, grabs it.
00:37:22Outside, corner, Barnes, no on the three.
00:37:25Fiebel the rebound.
00:37:26And the Spurs doing a great job in the half-court,
00:37:29keeping the Blazers out of what they want to do offensively.
00:37:33They can't get the ball from side to side,
00:37:35even without Wendan Yama looming in the paint.
00:37:38Bissell picked up the foul with a bump into Grant.
00:37:42Well, they're controlling it out on the perimeter, Candace.
00:37:45They're not allowing for Portland to break them down often,
00:37:48so the guards are controlling it out front.
00:37:50It's not allowing it to get down to the paint.
00:37:52They don't have Wimby out there,
00:37:53so they don't have the benefit to be able to allow
00:37:55for them to get to the rim all night.
00:37:57Harper checks out.
00:37:59Stephon Castle checks in.
00:38:02Bissell, the foul.
00:38:04And he picks up in second.
00:38:06Sharp driving.
00:38:07Fox defending.
00:38:08Kick out.
00:38:10Grant will take it in.
00:38:11Slicing into the paint.
00:38:12Over Cornette.
00:38:14And inside, he got it.
00:38:22Grant with a hard-charging move.
00:38:24Cornette picks up number one.
00:38:25Well, he struggled a little bit so far in these first few games,
00:38:28so it's good to see one go down for him.
00:38:30But he's going to stay aggressive.
00:38:32That's what he does.
00:38:33I mean, he's one of the most versatile guys that we have in this league
00:38:35on both sides of the floor.
00:38:37But it's good to see him get to the line,
00:38:40get his confidence going, because they're going to need him.
00:38:42They're going to win.
00:38:44Dealing with the sore left foot.
00:38:46He's been on a minutes restriction.
00:38:48He had five points in game two, five points in game one.
00:38:52Grant now with six in the early going here in game three.
00:38:56Bissell chipping his way.
00:38:59Sharp was there.
00:39:00Castle was right.
00:39:01Holiday in the way.
00:39:02A fadeaway.
00:39:03Perfect.
00:39:05Fouled.
00:39:07Stephon Castle.
00:39:09Boy, is he good.
00:39:09What did he have for breakfast this morning,
00:39:12just in terms of his aggressiveness?
00:39:15Right here, getting to the mid-range.
00:39:19The crowd does not like it as Castle kicks out a bit.
00:39:25And it looked like Joe Holiday went into the space,
00:39:29the landing space a little bit.
00:39:30That's a natural motion in Stephon Castle's shot.
00:39:32It's the first foul on Holiday.
00:39:35Quickly up court, shut up.
00:39:36What speed.
00:39:37And bumped there by Fox.
00:39:38He goes careening out of bounds.
00:39:41Foul on Fox.
00:39:43With eight and a half in the half.
00:39:45When you beat Fox up the court, you know you're moving.
00:39:49When you're moving, you beat Fox up the court.
00:39:54It's a playoff foul.
00:39:55I like it.
00:39:55I like it.
00:39:57Fox number one.
00:39:58Sharp at the line.
00:40:01And he's on a minute's restriction.
00:40:03Had a calf injury that...
00:40:05Watch him miss 28 games in the middle of the year.
00:40:09Don't miss a playoff moment with the NBA app.
00:40:11Tap to watch games.
00:40:13Why?
00:40:13Break down the stat, shaping the game.
00:40:15And go behind the scenes of the postseason in the moments tab.
00:40:20Download the NBA app now.
00:40:27Klingon trying to get a hand on it.
00:40:28And Cornett will control it.
00:40:31But that wasn't pretty.
00:40:34He's a champion.
00:40:36Cornett is.
00:40:36He's been one of the best backup centers this season in the NBA.
00:40:41And he's filled in for Wembenyama.
00:40:43They have won.
00:40:44Castle bumped as he fired.
00:40:46And a foul.
00:40:48Again, second-year player, Stephon Castle.
00:40:52In the playoffs, with Wembenyama out, has stepped up thus far in this game.
00:40:59And he's doing it inside.
00:41:00He's doing it outside.
00:41:01He's getting to the free-throw line.
00:41:03He's getting the Blazers in foul trouble early.
00:41:06He is an efficient 5 of 7.
00:41:0815 points.
00:41:09He's already gone to the free-throw line five times.
00:41:12Grant picked up his first.
00:41:14He'll check out.
00:41:15And Scoot Henderson will come in.
00:41:17For those just joining us, we talked earlier about it.
00:41:19Henderson at 31 in game 2.
00:41:22Fox positions over Sharp.
00:41:24And De'Aaron Fox has just given San Antonio, with his four points, their biggest lead here in game 3.
00:41:33And this is what we talked about.
00:41:34We talked about De'Aaron Fox and also Castle.
00:41:37These two guards, when Wembe's out, both of their production is sharp.
00:41:42Oof.
00:41:43Mimi up top.
00:41:44Both of their production goes up.
00:41:46They both get ultra-aggressive.
00:41:48And it's good to see them attacking at the same time.
00:41:51Defense!
00:41:53Defense!
00:41:54Defense!
00:41:55Cleveland's bench has been great so far.
00:41:57Plus 9 points.
00:41:58Castle weaving.
00:41:59Trying to feed.
00:42:00Out of the reach of the big man, Cornette.
00:42:03The other way.
00:42:04Holiday.
00:42:05Green.
00:42:07Timeout San Antonio.
00:42:09One-point game.
00:42:11True Holiday with a beautiful stroke.
00:42:18Holiday with 12.
00:42:20The only blazer in double figures.
00:42:22Castle with 15 for San Antonio.
00:42:25A veteran guard.
00:42:26A young guard.
00:42:27Head-to-head on prime.
00:42:31Barber Day.
00:42:32The NBA and the Arbor Day Foundation will plant three trees in communities lacking green space for every three-pointer
00:42:41made tonight.
00:42:42With the first 32 planted in Bill Walton's honor.
00:42:46Scan to get involved in the celebrations and share your story as part of the Million Trees Project.
00:42:53And you'll have to share the story of you and Bill Walton at one time together.
00:42:59What a legendary figure both on the floor, a champion in both Portland and in Boston and in the broadcast
00:43:07booth and clearly in what you two when you cross paths.
00:43:11Well, Bill Walton was one of the legends of the game and I met him after his career when he
00:43:18was broadcasting and just the joy and energy that he brings to the game of basketball and what he did
00:43:24for this franchise in general.
00:43:25I mean, it was just an honor to know him.
00:43:28Here's Stephon Castle.
00:43:29A game-high 15 points.
00:43:31Holiday is on it.
00:43:35It's Cornette.
00:43:37And they made the switch with Holiday guarding Castle now as Holiday started off on De'Aaron Fox, kind of
00:43:43neutralized him a bit, and now the coach is like, hey, go pick up Castle.
00:43:48He's doing work this first half.
00:43:49He guarded Bissell.
00:43:50He guarded Fox.
00:43:51Now I need you to go guard Castle.
00:43:53Holiday three!
00:43:54And score.
00:43:55And I need you to score, Candace, at the same time.
00:43:57He's doing everything, a little bit of everything.
00:44:00You have vets like Drew Holiday that kind of helps settle you.
00:44:03You have a lot of confidence.
00:44:05He's bringing confidence into these young guys who haven't been in this position a lot.
00:44:10Blazers have seven threes.
00:44:12Spurs have five.
00:44:13It's Castle driving, stutter-stepping, jumping, and it's Cornette cleaning it up for two more.
00:44:19Cornette has continued to be effective.
00:44:22Nine points in place of Wembenyama.
00:44:24That basket stops the 8-0 run by the Blazers and ties this game at 43.
00:44:31And we're going to have to keep an eye on Luke Cornette's minutes as Coach Johnson said that he wants
00:44:37to make sure he's fresh going down the stretch.
00:44:39And with Wembeny out, he's had to play different minutes than he's been accustomed to playing.
00:44:45Good point.
00:44:46With Mitch Johnson, he was a starting big-time guard at Stanford.
00:44:49Played with the Lopez Twins and the Cardinal.
00:44:53Up the middle, it's Henderson.
00:44:57Went right from high school to the G League.
00:44:59And then a high pick by the Blazers.
00:45:03Holiday works his way into the paint.
00:45:07Can we get a tracker on a Holiday run?
00:45:10And he has taken over here early in the second quarter.
00:45:14Scoot Henderson, Holiday, hold on, Feibel.
00:45:17Off balance, flying backwards.
00:45:21Never suggested for those young people watching tonight.
00:45:24And the foul called on the San Antonio Spurge Castle number one.
00:45:28Well, Candace, you couldn't have a better model for Scoot Henderson than Drew Holiday.
00:45:35You're talking about a guy, obviously, on the offensive end of the floor that has patience, that can mix it
00:45:40up, can score all over.
00:45:41But you're also talking about a guy on the defensive end of the floor that can guard one through five.
00:45:45And when you look at a young Scoot Henderson, you think he can be and mirror what Drew Holiday has
00:45:51done in his career.
00:45:51And in his career, Drew Holiday has grown into this career.
00:45:55He's grown into his role on different teams.
00:45:58And Scoot Henderson, he went through the bumps and bruises of his rookie season where he had to spend time
00:46:02in the G League.
00:46:03And people were questioning whether he was going to be able to be an effective guard in this year, in
00:46:09this league.
00:46:09So to see his growth this year, it is as a result of Drew Holiday.
00:46:13Halfway through the second quarter.
00:46:16Keldon Johnson worked on Feibel with a twist and a turn and a shot.
00:46:21And Kornett trying to put it in.
00:46:22He thought he was hammered inside.
00:46:24No call.
00:46:25Holiday the other way.
00:46:27Holiday with 17, a game high.
00:46:29Three.
00:46:30Henderson.
00:46:30No.
00:46:31Rebound Harper.
00:46:35And the sixth man of the year.
00:46:37Slicing inside into Klingit.
00:46:39Leans the reverse.
00:46:41And picked up by Feibel out of bounds.
00:46:44Where's the ball out of play?
00:46:45It'll be San Antonio's ball.
00:46:47Nope.
00:46:48It'll be Portland's ball.
00:46:51You can't be mad at that.
00:46:52If you're San Antonio, you're doing exactly what you need to do.
00:46:55And that's continue to put pressure on that basket.
00:46:58Just a few misses.
00:47:00But those guys coming off the bench.
00:47:01Keldon Johnson, six man out of the year.
00:47:03Shout out to him.
00:47:04He's come right in and put his shoulder, Candace, right in the middle of the big fella's chest.
00:47:13A timeout has been taken with five and a half to go in the half in this game three.
00:47:19In a series tied in one.
00:47:26It's by four as we're going to break San Antonio following the suggestion of Frank of Luke Cornett.
00:47:33But let's take a look at this possession again because I think it's off of the Blazers.
00:47:37They ruled it that.
00:47:39And it's San Antonio's ball.
00:47:40A successful challenge by the Spurs.
00:47:42Look at Luke Cornett immediately.
00:47:45Signal four.
00:47:47Yeah, it was off play.
00:47:49Well, that's the bench work of the Spurs coaches.
00:47:52You have guys behind the bench.
00:47:53That's total responsibility is to review plays like that and to challenge them.
00:47:58As we see, it is important to have your challenge down the stretch.
00:48:02So if you're going to challenge this early, you've got to make sure you get it right.
00:48:05Robert Williams is back on the floor.
00:48:08Obdi is out there.
00:48:10Also got Scoot Henderson on the floor.
00:48:14Shaden Sharp is out there.
00:48:17There's now more coaches than players on the bench.
00:48:20They're so right.
00:48:22It's Champagne.
00:48:23It's Bryant.
00:48:25He's a rookie and he's looking.
00:48:27Oh, there's an offensive foul and it goes on San Antonio.
00:48:30That's the three offensive fouls that Kamara has drawn in this first half.
00:48:35And Castle picks up his second foul.
00:48:37Yeah, Kamara was just somebody who just, he keeps his chest in front and he's always in your way.
00:48:44Obdi kicks in the corner.
00:48:46Henderson three.
00:48:51And Portland's on a 15-2 run.
00:48:54A move by Castle.
00:48:56A screen by Bryant.
00:48:57The three won't go.
00:48:58A lunging rebound.
00:49:00Obdi, who is 0-5, driving into Castle.
00:49:03Charred, drives, layup.
00:49:05Williams out of hand, out and out of bounds.
00:49:08It will be San Antonio's ball.
00:49:11And Obdi putting his head down.
00:49:13Used to getting to the free throw line.
00:49:15In this series, only 15% of his points are coming from the free throw line during the regular season.
00:49:2130%.
00:49:22Isn't that amazing, that number?
00:49:23Wow.
00:49:24Well, the physicality of the playoffs, the refs do not call fouls the same in the regular season as they
00:49:29do in the playoffs.
00:49:30Castle trying to bulldoze.
00:49:32Carter will watch at three.
00:49:35Bryant can't get it.
00:49:37It's picked up in the corner by Harper.
00:49:41Stefan Kessel, a fake.
00:49:43A drive.
00:49:44Can't stop playing.
00:49:45Easy dunk.
00:49:46You can't stop playing.
00:49:47You don't hear a whistle.
00:49:49Play to the whistle.
00:49:55Obdi.
00:50:00He's got three points off the line, makes the move, the fake, the drive, and fouled as he takes it
00:50:06in.
00:50:07The all-star, Denny Avdia.
00:50:10Let's see if those sneaks came off the ground, Candice.
00:50:14Oh, yeah.
00:50:15They came off.
00:50:19But you have to play this through the whistle, even if you don't hear anything.
00:50:26And I think all Blazers fans were upset.
00:50:31Sometimes it's what you can get away with, D-Wade.
00:50:34Five-point lead for the Blazers.
00:50:35They've been up by as many as seven.
00:50:37Spurs have led by as many as six.
00:50:40Four lead changes.
00:50:41Five ties in this game.
00:50:43Three at the line is Williams.
00:50:44That's interesting.
00:50:45They didn't put Obdi at the line.
00:50:47They called it off the ball on Williams, which puts him to the line.
00:50:53Obdi is begging for a foul call.
00:50:57Carter Bryant picked up the foul off the bench.
00:51:01Here's second.
00:51:02Rob Williams at the line.
00:51:04Yeah, Obdi, you don't want to get into that game of begging the refs for a call.
00:51:08Right now, you in the space as a young all-star, as a young player in this league, you have
00:51:13to earn it.
00:51:13They have to understand who you are, and you've got to continue to show them.
00:51:17You're not going to get it by begging for it.
00:51:19Rob Williams with seven.
00:51:21Two straight games of 11 apiece.
00:51:23Game one and game two in San Antonio.
00:51:26It's De'Aaron Fox.
00:51:30Carter Bryant.
00:51:33Colton Johnson.
00:51:34Doubled inside.
00:51:35Rebound, Robert Williams.
00:51:37Taken away by Dylan Harper.
00:51:39Back outside.
00:51:40Bryant will drive.
00:51:41Stop.
00:51:42Lean.
00:51:42Layup.
00:51:43No.
00:51:43Rebound, Williams.
00:51:44Cobbles up the ball.
00:51:46Obdi on the move.
00:51:46Look at the speed.
00:51:47The drive.
00:51:48No.
00:51:49Knocked away from behind.
00:51:50Counted for two.
00:51:56And that was a fast break right there.
00:51:58Started by Williams.
00:52:01Obdi continuing to put his head down and get to the paint, knowing good things will eventually happen.
00:52:08That's a freight train right there.
00:52:11Coming down heel.
00:52:13Fast with aggression.
00:52:15Brazors the biggest win of the nine and eight.
00:52:17Fox on top.
00:52:19Obdi on the defense.
00:52:23Carter Bryant, three.
00:52:25Rebound.
00:52:26Obdi got a hand on it.
00:52:28Cobbled in by Bryant.
00:52:30Three.
00:52:31Visele.
00:52:31Bullseye.
00:52:32And Williams, you have your center out 40 feet from the basket.
00:52:36Williams got to get back in there and help his squad rebound as the best three comes off of an
00:52:42offensive rebound.
00:52:42As this collective effort right here by San Antonio is Henderson.
00:52:47He's got a heater.
00:52:47He's got a heater.
00:52:50Henderson with 14 and four threes.
00:52:53He's no hesitation.
00:52:56His confidence, Candace, is out this roof right now, the way he's playing.
00:53:01But he's not taking a lot of four shots.
00:53:03He's taking it within the offense and within himself.
00:53:08Six on the clock.
00:53:10It's Visele over Henderson.
00:53:13Tipped and one by Carter Bryant.
00:53:15Back outside.
00:53:16Fox triple.
00:53:18With a congested lane, a foul on Portland inside.
00:53:23Two and a half in the half.
00:53:24You talk about confidence, D-Wade, right here.
00:53:26Obdi getting to the paint.
00:53:28Catch and shoot.
00:53:29Scoop has the confidence.
00:53:31He has his feet set.
00:53:32He's trusting the work that he put in.
00:53:34Can get to this point.
00:53:37Four for six from beyond the arc.
00:53:40You don't become a shooter like this in the playoffs if you haven't worked on this.
00:53:45If you haven't seen that go in over and over and over again.
00:53:48So give him credit for putting the work in.
00:53:51Months of just focusing on the details to become a great shooter.
00:53:55Wow.
00:53:56Dahl went for defense.
00:53:58Ball was knocked away on the Fox shot.
00:54:01Rob Williams came over to erase it.
00:54:04Moments ago, Scoot Henderson picked up his second.
00:54:07That could have been.
00:54:08And tomorrow went down.
00:54:09Could have been number four that Kamara drew.
00:54:12Charges in the first half.
00:54:14He moves his feet.
00:54:15Best of them.
00:54:16Here's a dead ball foul.
00:54:21And it goes on Kamara.
00:54:33And as you see the cut, it looks like De'Aaron was a little foxy on that play and grabbed
00:54:40him.
00:54:40But the cell goes to the line because the ball was not inbounded.
00:54:48This is savvy.
00:54:50Oh, that was not a foul on Kamara.
00:54:51Savvy veteran play right there.
00:54:53Savvy right there.
00:54:54But they say the ball don't lie.
00:54:55What you call him, Foxy?
00:54:57Foxy.
00:55:01Cornette.
00:55:03Screen.
00:55:04Castle with the ball.
00:55:06Holiday fighting through.
00:55:07Castle grinding his way inside.
00:55:10A lot of folks.
00:55:11Ball knocked away.
00:55:12Second block by Williams.
00:55:14The speed of Henderson.
00:55:16Up there inside.
00:55:23Rob Williams has come in to be a one-man wrecking crew for the Blazers as Bryant of the Spurs
00:55:30has picked up his third.
00:55:32And we can talk all day about live ball turnovers.
00:55:36But sometimes when your defense is ignited by a block shot like that, that's almost like a turnover.
00:55:43Trail Blazers are able to get out in transition.
00:55:45Avdia, perfect from the line.
00:55:4714-time All-Star NBA champion and architect of championship dynasties.
00:55:51This documentary becomes both eulogy and reckoning.
00:55:54Jerry West, the logo.
00:55:56Streaming now only on one.
00:55:58Avdia.
00:56:01Here come the Spurs.
00:56:02They've missed 14 of their last 16 shots.
00:56:05And they're getting good shots.
00:56:07They're getting right to the place in the paint where they want to get to.
00:56:09They've had a couple offensive rebounds inside-out threes and just haven't been able to go down.
00:56:14Deflected by Williams.
00:56:16Out of bounds.
00:56:16Shot clock at 11.
00:56:18Well, good luck scoring against a team that takes you out of your first action.
00:56:23That's what Coach Johnson said.
00:56:25They're not going to be able to come down and be comfortable and swing the ball.
00:56:28They're going to have to get into their actions quicker and usually on the first side.
00:56:33You ready?
00:56:33Joining us late.
00:56:34Victor Wembenyama out.
00:56:35Concussion protocol still.
00:56:36There was a shot in late play.
00:56:38Fox will put up a three.
00:56:40And he'll drill it home from outside.
00:56:43That stops a 23-7 Blazer run.
00:56:48It's a seven-point game, Dwayne.
00:56:49Sorry, Kevin.
00:56:50They're going to need more of that out of Duran Fox.
00:56:52Like you said, when Wembeny does not play, he earns us about eight more points.
00:56:55His three-point percentage goes up about eight more percent.
00:56:59So they're definitely going to need more of that out of Duran Fox.
00:57:01Abdiah off-balance, contorting up a shot as he was in a blunder inside the paint.
00:57:07And a foul called on Fox.
00:57:09That is number two.
00:57:12Abdiah again to the free-throw line.
00:57:14And potentially in this first half, Abdiah has the opportunity to knock down more free-throws in this first half
00:57:20than he has the entire game, one and two, coming into the day.
00:57:24He's six of seven.
00:57:26What's that there?
00:57:28Abdiah, one of seven from the floor, seven of eight from the line, with five assists in 17 minutes.
00:57:35He's been very relentless.
00:57:37And that's what you have to do.
00:57:38You have to continue to show them who you are.
00:57:41And he's been relentless every time he comes down the floor.
00:57:44He's attacking.
00:57:45He's putting pressure on that basket.
00:57:48You know the importance of closing quarters, going into half.
00:57:52If you have a lead and you're Portland, you can't make mistakes.
00:57:55With the Spurs, you've got to chip into this.
00:57:57You cannot turn it over.
00:57:59You've got to get good shots on board.
00:58:01Kessel with a burst into the paint, into Holliday.
00:58:04A fake by Williams, knocked away.
00:58:06Rob Williams is there.
00:58:07That's a foul on the Blazers.
00:58:17Williams will pick it up.
00:58:19It is number one.
00:58:22I don't know about that one.
00:58:25Let me see.
00:58:26Did he?
00:58:27Right here?
00:58:27Right there?
00:58:28Elbow?
00:58:28Yeah, yeah.
00:58:29He got him on the elbow, Candace.
00:58:33He got a whole hand full of Bambu.
00:58:37Favon Kessel.
00:58:40That little deceleration step that is now taking over in the NBA is hard to have a timing on
00:58:48that even though I feel Williams have done an incredible job of standing on this feet,
00:58:52allowing the guards to release the ball before he jumps, just got caught that time.
00:59:02We're approaching a minute to go in the first half.
00:59:06Avdia with it.
00:59:10Fox with the defense.
00:59:13He'll put on the brakes and put up a two.
00:59:16Williams trying to grab it.
00:59:17Kessel will find it.
00:59:22Fox, Champagny, here's a three.
00:59:24Good.
00:59:25And right there, De'Aaron Fox, sometimes you got to play with pace, but you got to play
00:59:31under control right there, finding Champagny on that three.
00:59:42Bonus both ways now, as Avdia will make a move, bumping into Fox.
00:59:46Shot clock at six.
00:59:48Spitting, twirling, firing, fouled.
00:59:56Three on Fox, Avdia at the line.
01:00:00One sobre Yasmin combinations.
01:00:01Two.
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