'Stuck in the Mud!' Spurs Slow Start Crushes San Antonio vs. Blazers

After the most recent loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, the San Antonio Spurs looked back on their poor start.

On Friday night, the San Antonio Spurs lost to the Portland Trail Blazers, 134-128. Victor Wembanyama did not play after scoring 30 points in a win the night before, but the young Spurs--even without their star--were able to keep it close.

A win was within reach if only the Spurs were able to start hot. They went 33 percent from deep in the first half but were outscored 71-56, and the deficit only grew in the fourth quarter. The Spurs were able to mount a comeback in the fourth, but it was too little, too late. 

"I thought we played horrendously getting down 26 (points)," said Gregg Popovich. "The (Trail Blazers) made shots. We didn't make shots but that's the NBA. I told the team I was proud of them. The way they hung tough. A young group can just give in but they got back in the ball game by playing more physically themselves. Moving better on offense."

In the final quarter, the Spurs launched a three-point barrage in an attempt to close the game out. It didn't work, but it was refreshing to see the Spurs put in a solid effort without Wembanyama. If the Spurs started the game competitively, they could have snuck out of Oregon with two wins under their belt. 

"We were a little slow," said Doug McDermott. "Stuck in the mud a little bit to start the game. We kind of had nothing to lose there when our group came in there in the third quarter. We were just super aggressive. We were making shots. Obviously, that helps. We were able to cut into a good to 10 points. Unfortunately, we kind of dug ourselves too big of a hole to start the game to really get all the way back in."

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If the Spurs can attack the basket and get shots off like they did in the final frame, their young offense will be able to make other teams sweat a little bit moving forward. Unfortunately, following up a respectable performance with a dud has been a bit of a trend this season. The Spurs show that they have a lot of promise, only to squander it all away.