Spurs outlast Blazers, 109-104.

Patty Mills shot 5-10 from 3PT range.

This game delivered on excitement and competition, seeing the Spurs outlast the home-team Trail Blazers, but it didn't come without serious effort, as Kawhi Leonard crashed to the floor, fouled hard by Jusuf Nurkic (10 rebounds, 2 blocks)--it was that kind of showdown.

A rough start said otherwise, however, until Jeremy Lamb (30 points, 63% shooting) stormed into the breach for the Spurs. San Antonio rallied back, down 19-26 after the first quarter to tie the game at 30-all. Defensive intensity and consistency was key for the Spurs tonight, with a key steal by Leonard late as Portland tried to tie the game with some long shots. They would make two 3PTers, forcing the Spurs to make free throws. San Antonio nearly cost themselves the game by missing an uncharacteristic seven three throws. Luckily, Damian Lillard had a poor game on 4-15 shooting, going 0-4 from long range.

CJ McCollum, dared to shoot by the Spurs single coverage all game long, did score 20 points, including 4/6 from downtown. Al-Farouq Aminu had 19 points with 6 rebounds. Zach Collins (14 points, 13 rebounds) & Caleb Swanigan (12 points, 11 rebounds) tormented the Spurs with offensive rebounds, helping Portland dominate the rebounds column 53-34. All signs pointed to a Portland victory, but the Spurs were able to carve out a small lead. Trail Blazers would fire back hard, but that slight edge and proficient playmaking was enough to carry the day.

Patty Mills, a sniper, had 17 points on 5/10 shooting, hitting hard when it mattered late, in the corner to on the right wing on the fast break. Kawhi Leonard didn't have the best night, but finished with 24 points, making two clutch free throws. The same result was for Pau Gasol, whose 9 points helped a bit, but he made up for it at the free throw line to ice the game. Lamb's athleticism was the highlight for sure, putting on some impressive heat for the home team to rally back from.

Rudy Gay had 12 points, but Bismack Biyombo and Kyle O'Quinn combined for 9 blocks to go with the Spurs' 18 total steals, 7 courtesy of Kawhi Leonard. In the losing effort, Evan Turner contributed 12 points and Mo Harkless dished in eleven points. The Spurs only had six turnovers, aiding their victory despite 27 assists by Portland, conversely to San Antonio's struggle to find a consistent shooting rhythm. Portland outshot San Antonio 51% to 42%. The final quarter was barely won 41-39 by the Spurs, in this gutsy victory.