The Portland Trail Blazers held off the San Antonio Spurs 115-110 in overtime drama last night, as Deni Avdija nearly posted a triple-double in one of the season’s most competitive Western Conference matchups. Portland’s relentless defense in the final moments prevented the Spurs from completing an impressive comeback, keeping their playoff hopes alive after a three-game road trip.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Avdija’s near triple-double: 29 points, 10 assists, 11 rebounds on 9-23 shooting
- Clingan’s efficiency: 24 points and 12 rebounds on 75% shooting from the field
- Spurs’ bench depth: Luke Kornet dominated with 23 points on 83.3% accuracy, leading San Antonio’s scoring
- Final margin: Trail Blazers closed out a tightly contested five-point victory on January 3, 2026
Trail Blazers Survive Spurs’ Late Surge Behind Avdija’s All-Around Excellence
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Deni Avdija nearly became the third player in Portland’s starting lineup to post a triple-double, finishing with 29 points, 10 assists, and 11 rebounds. The Israeli forward’s versatility on both ends of the floor proved crucial as the Trail Blazers weathered pressure from a determined Spurs squad that mounted a fourth-quarter offensive attack.
The victory marked Portland’s second consecutive road win and signified growing chemistry within the squad’s rotation. Donovan Clingan complemented Avdija’s output with 24 points on extremely efficient 75% shooting, while Toumani Camara contributed 20 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. The balanced scoring attack prevented San Antonio from capitalizing on individual defensive breakdowns.
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The Blazers shot 43.5% from the field and made 19 three-pointers, demonstrating improved offensive execution on the road. Portland’s 24 assists on 40 made baskets showcased ball movement that kept the Spurs’ defense rotating constantly throughout the contest.
Kornet Leads Spurs’ Bench Attack as San Antonio Falls Short
Luke Kornet delivered one of his most dominant performances of the season, putting up 23 points on an outstanding 83.3% shooting while grabbing 8 rebounds. The emerging contributor was supposed to anchor San Antonio’s frontcourt depth, and he nearly carried the Spurs to an upset victory with aggressive finishing around the paint.
Julian Champagnie added 20 points and 10 rebounds with four three-pointers made, filling multiple roles on both sides of the ball. De’Aaron Fox chipped in 19 points, but the Spurs couldn’t overcome Portland’s balanced approach and depth scoring. San Antonio’s interior presence was challenged repeatedly by Clingan’s presence in the middle.
Game Statistics Comparison
| Stat Category | Trail Blazers | Spurs |
| Final Score | 115 | 110 |
| Field Goal % | 43.5% (40-92) | 43.0% (40-93) |
| Three-Point % | 42.2% (19-45) | 32.3% (10-31) |
| Total Rebounds | 68 | 53 |
| Assists | 24 | 27 |
Defensive Battle Decides Close Contest in San Antonio
The fourth quarter proved decisive as Portland’s perimeter defense forced the Spurs into difficult possessions. Portland recorded 3 steals while holding San Antonio to just 10 three-pointers on 31 attempts from beyond the arc. The Spurs struggled to generate open looks despite solid spacing and movement from their guards.
Stephon Castle recorded 9 assists for San Antonio, orchestrating an offense that showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t maintain consistency. The young point guard distributed well but saw turnovers limit his impact during critical stretches. San Antonio’s bench contributed solid minutes, yet the absence of additional shot-making hurt their cause.
What Does This Result Mean for Both Teams Moving Forward?
Portland’s victory extends their recent winning trajectory as they look to climb Western Conference standings. The Trail Blazers now sit at 15-20 on the season with momentum building heading into their next matchup. Avdija’s near triple-double showcases the offensive versatility that could lift Portland’s season if sustained.
San Antonio falls to 25-9 but demonstrated their roster’s depth remains capable despite this road loss. Luke Kornet’s emergence as a reliable scoring option and Champagnie’s all-around contributions suggest the Spurs possess the pieces to compete when their primary star power fully engages. This loss represents a temporary setback rather than a trend-defining moment for one of the West’s elite squads.
Did Portland’s bench depth prove to be the difference in this closely contested matchup?
Portland’s rotation players made critical contributions throughout the night, with Caleb Love adding 16 points from the bench and Camara’s double-double ensuring the Blazers maintained rebounding advantages. San Antonio’s bench kept them competitive, yet Portland’s five-point edge reflected better execution and more consistent shot-making. The Trail Blazers’ depth proved sufficient to hold off the Spurs‘ final push and secure victory on enemy territory.
Sources
- NBA.com – Official box scores and play-by-play data
- ESPN – Game recap and statistics verification
- CBS Sports – Real-time scoring updates and final statistics

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.

