Donovan Clingan on how he feels he played in the first two games of the series: “Eh.” Donovan on Wemby’s status: “We’re coming in with the energy like he’s playing, and then I guess we’ll find out tonight whether he is or not.”

In the building for Blazers shootaround this morning ahead of Game 3: LaMarcus Aldridge.

On the sharp contrast between how good the Blazers' vibes are right now on the court and how bad they are off it: www.rosegardenreport.com/trail-blazer...

Kuminga beating the prestige zone allegations?

Damian Lillard is officially ruled out for Game 3 tomorrow, despite what some social media posts may have led people to believe.

Tiago Splitter did not outright say Damian Lillard won’t play in the playoffs (his answer to a yes/no question was “probably not”) but reiterated that Lillard has a plan for his recovery that they’re sticking to. Since July the messaging has been that he’s not playing this year.

Deni Avdija on Game 3 at home in front of Blazers fans: “We expect them to be loud. We’ll do our job on the court and they’ll do their job in the stands.”

Scoot Henderson on the Spurs saying after Game 2 that they’re going to be more physical with him: “The playoffs is a game of adjustments. They’re going to make adjustments but we’re also going to make adjustments.”

On the sharp contrast between how good the Blazers' vibes are right now on the court and how bad they are off it: www.rosegardenreport.com/trail-blazer...

There hasn’t been much Blazers-Fire crossover thus far but here’s a pretty cool one: the pre- and postgame studio show for games on KPTV hosted by Nick Krupke will also feature former WNBA player and current Blazers scouting manager Sheri Sam as a studio analyst.

The WNBA has announced their national TV schedule for the 2026 season. The Fire's inaugural game against the Sky on May 9th will be on NBA TV. Portland has 20 national games. 8 ION, 5 NBA TV, 2 CBS, 2 USA, 1 NBC/Peacock, 1 ESPN, 1 Amazon Prime.

The NBA announced the info for Game 5 in San Antonio on 4/28. 8:30pm local tip (6:30 Pacific time) on ESPN.

Scoot Henderson and the Blazers got physical with the Spurs. Now they can expect the Spurs to respond in kind. "We’re going to make it a lot harder for him because he’s feeling way too comfortable,” Devin Vassell vowed after Henderson has 31 points in Game 2. www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...

Three years ago in Las Vegas, Scoot Henderson said he likes playing in big games because it's "like a movie." In his second playoff game, he delivered the performance of his career and showed he's built for this. Story: www.rosegardenreport.com/scoot-hender...

I’ve thought this most of the season and wrote it last week but even more so after tonight, there had better be a pretty damn compelling reason to not give Tiago the job. I don’t know what more somebody could possibly do to earn it.

Deni Avdija on Tiago Splitter: “He got thrown in a difficult situation. But he’s done a phenomenal job. He’s getting the best out of all of us and we love playing for him.”

Tiago Splitter on Scoot Henderson: “I don’t know if I have the words. Best game for him this season, maybe his career. He carried us.”

Scoot Henderson on Game 3: “Man, I already know Rip City gonna be turnt. Even if we were down 2-0 they’d be cheering us like we were up 2-0.”

Scoot Henderson: “Same mindset every game. Go out and kill whoever’s in front of me.”

Unbelievable finish. Blazers win. Series tied 1-1.

This is going to turn into a free throw contest and those haven't gone well for these guys this season. Already missed 6 tonight.

This is going to be a REAL interesting Last Two Minute report, both ways.

Scoot

Despite a pretty awful fourth quarter they're still right in range. Down 6 with 3 and a half to go.

Just front rimmed a wide-open FT line jumper. Definitely not right.

Got to get Jerami and Matisse out. Neither of them have it tonight.

Absolutely unbelievable Timelord game tonight

Deni has looked physically not right for most of the game. Just fell down and is walking gingerly back to the line for Spurs FTs. Staying in the game for now but something to monitor.

Blazers legend Fabricio Oberto watching the game with Spurs legend Manu Ginobili

Tied at 57 at the half. Phenomenal game from Scoot, good defensive effort overall.

Wemby is in concussion protocol and is out for the rest of the game. Spurs look just fine without him.

Really nice second-quarter shift for Shaedon.

Wemby down

Playoff Scoot

Much better start for Clingan tonight at both ends than Game 1.

Fast start for the Blazers. Up 13-4 through the first 3 and a half minutes. Scoot and Deni once again leading things.

A few really good defensive possessions in a row for the Blazers and then Wemby hits a Dirk one-legged fadeaway at the shot clock buzzer like it's nothing.

Tiago Splitter said he hasn’t addressed the players about the rumors and reports about ownership. Says that before the play-in game he talked to the team and told them to stay off social media during the playoffs and hasn’t felt like he needs to address it since.

Deni Avdija on being named a finalist for Most Improved Player: “Excited. It’s good to have your name up there and show your progress. But we have bigger things to focus on right now.”

Players don’t want to live in OKC but all you ever hear from guys once they get there is how well they’re treated and how professional the org is. When you’re a non-glamour market like that (or Portland) you have to win on that stuff to even have a chance at keeping players.

Another clean injury report for the Blazers ahead of Game 2 tomorrow. Outside of Damian Lillard everyone is fully available to play.

If Soulja Boy reunites with Arab it will be more powerful than the Oasis reunion.

From yesterday ICYMI

As Tiago Splitter prepares to become the first Brazilian ever to coach an NBA playoff game, he reflects on the life and legacy of his country's greatest-ever basketball player, Oscar Schmidt, who died on Friday at age 68. Story: www.rosegardenreport.com/tiago-splitt...

The Blazers didn't have an answer for Victor Wembanyama, but didn't embarrass themselves in their playoff debut, either. Story: www.rosegardenreport.com/victor-wemba...

Most encouraging thing to me about last night was how good Deni was despite only getting to the line six times. Playing his usual game was going to be tough with Wemby in the paint but he found a way to adapt and still be effective.

The Blazers didn't have an answer for Victor Wembanyama, but didn't embarrass themselves in their playoff debut, either. Story: www.rosegardenreport.com/victor-wemba...

Yang Hansen making his playoff debut with 52 seconds left. This one's just about over. Spurs lead 111-98.

Spurs getting called for a succession of fouls at both ends and the crowd is NOT happy.

Surreal scene here at the arena as the wave breaks out during a timeout that slowly turns to boos as the referee tells the crowd that a Scoot foul called against Wemby was overturned.