Grades: San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Game #28
Chris Paul help guide the Spurs over the Blazers (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs won their second straight game to improve their record on the season to 15-13. The 114-94 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers was one of the team’s most dominant performances of the season.
The game was relatively close until midway through the second quarter. The Spurs went on a run to lead 60-44 going into halftime. In the second half, the Blazers never gained any traction and San Antonio was able to cruise to the win.
Stats: Spurs vs. Blazers
Spurs vs. Blazers – Final Grades
Victor Wembanyama
It was another marvelous performance by Wembanyama. I really liked his shot-selection. He got to the line 11 times. He passed the ball well while limiting turnovers. On defense, he totaled ten blocks without fouling a single time. He was also really good defending out on the perimeter. It was simply a smart, dominant outing by Wembanyama that exhibited a lot of what makes him such a special player.
Grade: A+
Devin Vassell
The good: Vassell was 5-for-6 from two-point range. I liked his decision-making and his defense. He limited his mistakes on both ends of the court and remained within the team concepts. The bad: Vassell was 0-for-4 from deep. His three-point shooting has been streaky this season but overall he is shooting very well.
Grade: B
Chris Paul
Paul didn’t do anything too flashy but he guided the ship really well. His passing was very good, his court vision was extra expansive and he finished the game without a turnover. Paul’s hustle and intensity on defense was also notable. While he isn’t as much of a scoring threat anymore, the rest of his game is humming at a high level.
Grade: B+
Jeremy Sochan
Sochan was quietly really good against the Blazers. Defensively, he was all over the place. Outside of Wembanyama, he was likely San Antonio’s strongest asset on that end. Offensively, he was mostly helpful. He made smart passes, didn’t try to do too much and picked his spots well. Sochan missed all three of his three-point attempts — but that was one of his few flaws this game.
Grade: B+
Harrison Barnes
Barnes was decent. I’d like to see more defense and more rebounding from him. His decision-making was also questionable at times. Scoring-wise, Barnes was efficient enough — scoring nine points while hitting 2-of-3 three-pointers.
Grade: C+
Julian Champagnie
While he’s still new to this bench role, Champagnie is starting to get it. There were a few clunky possessions but otherwise he’s beginning to acclimate. I thought his defense was solid and his well-roundedness on offense was helpful versus Portland.
Grade: B-
Keldon Johnson
Johnson could have mixed in a few more passes but otherwise he was okay. Hoisting 12 shot attempts in 21 minutes is a bit too aggressive, however the electricity and enthusiasm he brought to the court aided the cause. I also thought Johnson’s defense was better than usual.
Grade: B-
Stephon Castle
The good: I didn’t have an issue with Castle’s shot-selection. He was 4-for-8 from two-point range and could have easily hit a couple more. The rookie’s passing was really good, he did a better job of taking care of the ball and I thought his defense was improved over recent outings. The bad: Castle’s three-point shot isn’t falling right now. There were also a few instances against the Blazers where he lost focus. Castle has a very mature game for a rookie so it’s strange to see him actually make rookie mistakes and mental miscues.
Grade: B
Charles Bassey
Well, it looks like Bassey has taken Zach Collins’ spot in the rotation — at least for now. It’s easy to see why the coaching staff is going with him. He’s keeping things simple by finishing with ruggedness in the lane, rebounding with every ounce of his soul and playing aggressive defense. At the end of the night against the Blazers, Bassey had 16 points and 12 rebounds in 18 minutes. Obviously, that type of insane productivity will keep him in the rotation.
Grade: A
Tre Jones
Jones moved the needle in the right direction this evening. He used his quickness to finish going to the rim. He didn’t do anything too complicated on the offensive end but he made the right passes at the right time. Jones finished with seven assists in only 18 minutes while posting a zero in the turnover column. He’s still searching for his groove after an injury riddled start to his campaign but it looks like Jones is getting there.
Grade: B+
Mitch Johnson
Good stuff from Johnson. He got Wembanyama involved early and often. He’s learning how to best utilize the players in the current rotation. Picking Bassey instead of Collins is paying dividends. Sticking with Jones was also helpful in tonight’s game.
Grade: A-