Just got home from running some errands, sat down and flipped on Knicks-Hawks and I said out loud, “someone got the score bug all jacked up” as Mike Breen says on the broadcast “yes, the score is correct on your screen,” - what on Earth happened!?

Jrue Holiday gets us underway at Exit interviews

First time this series the Spurs’ defense has been in their heels for a sustained period. They don’t really know where they want to force the ball with any kind of certainty

Open the floodgates!! Shots are falling…

That ain’t a poster - it’s a whole movie!? My goodness Timelord!?

Deni Avdija's face fouled De'Aaron Fox's arm. That's a new one.

Currently playing Creed's "Higher" while this review is underway and they're going to play the whole song before they come to a conclusion I swear.

Jrue Holiday, certified dude.

Without checking, pretty sure that's the first time we've seen the 4-guard and DC lineup. Scoot/Sharpe/Tisse/Jrue/Clingan

A scramble play layup for Sharpe, a semi-transition 3 from Scoot and the Blazers close the gap to 1 and timeout Spurs.

I have no idea what Sharpe or Clingan are doing right now on either end of the floor.

Blazers with 6 ORebs in the 1st quarter and 11 more FGAs, but only a 2 point lead after the 1st quarter.

Spurs have gone with the small ball option - it's Keldon Johnson on Rob Williams and it's led to some cross matches (mismatches) - Williams gets Harper on him and seals immediately and draws the foul on the entry pass. Follows that up with an Oreb putback bc SA can't keep him out of the paint.

The connection between Deni and Rob on lobs has become pretty damn impressive

Carter Bryant - world-class athlete, even in the NBA, that's for sure.

The L-Train, back in the building - LaMarcus Aldridge.

Tou and Scoot are everywhere defensively right now - driving all the Spurs' ballhandlers crazy.

Apparently, Scoot Henderson can't miss - it's kind of fun to see live. Can't lie.

TIMELORD ABSOLUTE BOMB AT THE RIM

Clingan picks up his 2nd foul - he wants Splitter to challenge, but there's nothing there to challenge. In comes Rob Williams III early.

Two turnovers forced by Camara in the first minute and a half.

Clingan hits a 3 and Moda did NOT forget how to get up for a playoff game - it's absolutely on fire on here.

A roar of cheers for Trail Blazers Head Coach Tiago Splitter as he’s introduced. Sounded pretty intentional.

All the Spurs players getting boo'd but there's no hate in anyone's heart and I don't like that.

An unprompted “Let’s Go Blazers” breaks out with 3 minutes until intro

Crowd feels like they aren’t sure what to do just yet, been a while since they were in this spot.

Luke Kornet will start in place of Victor Wembanyama - Coach Johnson stated that they would incorporate both small ball lineups as well as looking to the other bigs on the roster

Wembanyama is doing well and progressing - Coach Johnson

Victor Wembanyama is OUT tonight for the Spurs

There’s the spicy pick!

Can’t blame the Cardinals for taking the best prospect available - will it work for them? Probably not. But I don’t think it’ll be Love’s fault

Scoot Henderson, 16-game player?

No Wemby, but you don’t make excuses. Take the win and move onto the next.

Oh man, heady play by Jrue but Tou maybe should’ve taken the points there….MAYBE 😂🫠

Deni Avdija, that was a filthy stop and pass!?

TIMELORD!?

Back to back good scoring games from Scoot and he’s been solid on defense. Would like to see more playmaking from him, but that’s bc Portland is desperate for it from him AND it just hasn’t really been there for a while now.

If the Spurs are +20 with Kornet on the floor, I mean - that’s gonna be a wrap folks. It’s as simple as that. No Wemby and getting worked over? Tip the cap, Spurs are DAMN good.

That Wemby fall, man. Dude clearly got knocked out on just the weirdest play - I REALLY hope this doesn’t impact him beyond tonight.

*nods approvingly*

CJ not being a better FT shooter has always been one of those weird quirks to his game. One of the best middy shooters of his generation and he’s “meh” at the line. Such a weird thing.

Also, buckle up because Wemby’s gonna be the best player on the planet for a decade.

Becoming increasingly confident that Deni Avdija is one them ones. Had a lot of folks saying “we’ll see when games matter” and “what happens when they take away the paint” - idk man, guys who just get it done find a way. If you don’t think he’s one of those guys, go with God at this point.

If the 3s aren’t falling…gonna be a looong night and a short series. Zero reason for the Spurs to leave the paint.

Ah the old “don’t miss” strategy - gets ‘em every time.

Thanks for a very enjoyable season of my favorite post game podcast! @joesimonssays.bsky.social @dannymarang.bsky.social

Vit Krecji making his return after missing time with a calf contusion

If the Kings didn't treat the ball like a greased biscuit, they'd really be in this game. Portland is killing the Kings on points off turnovers - but the Kings aren't exactly being stopped defensively.

Kris Murray having a heckuva game

After playing with fire a bit, the Blazers have opened up a 14-point lead on the Kings with a 26-12 2nd quarter (4:57 remaining) powered by 9 points from Scoot Henderson (4/5 FG, 1/1 3FG).