Late run propels Spurs past Blazers in Game 1, 103-112. (1-0)

On the heels of a tepid season finale win over the Pelicans in N'awlins, the defending champions San Antonio Spurs hustled themselves to a 1-0 lead in this first round series that saw the Portland Trailblazers climb within a single point late, but it was not to be, as Jeremy Lamb (21 points) and Kawhi Leonard made huge shots in the clutch. The energy exhibited by Pau Gasol and Bismack Biyombo granted the Spurs second chances as the score was tight in the second half.

To start the game, Portland looked more fluent but the home team rallied ahead, scoring 38 points to Portland's 27. The second quarter saw the Trailblazers storm back 35-27, making it 65-62 at halftime. CJ McCollum went 3-15 from the field, however, showing the strategy paying off by the Spurs to let him shoot and locking down Damian Lillard instead, scoring just 10 points and going 0-5 from long range.

The Spurs offense was more fluent in this game, getting up 20 more shots than the Blazers.

Kawhi Leonard had 21 points with 3 steals and 2 blocks, shooting just 9/22 but making shots when it mattered most. Bismack Biyombo had a strong game with 12 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks, going 100% from the field (6-6). Patty Mills had 6 assists with 13 points, making three long shots. For Portland, Damian Lillard had 21 points. Rudy Gay had 11 points with 7 rebounds. San Antonio won the boards 49-37 and had three more assists as a team, notching 10 blocks and 11 steals. To its credit, Portland had 6 blocks and 7 steals also, but had more turnovers (12-9).

Jeremy Lamb had four 3PTers and missed only two shots, nabbing a steal and racing up the court for a nice dunk late. This series should be competitive, though, as both teams play it physical.