[embedded content]
Deni Avdija described a mix of emotions after the Portland Trail Blazers fell 111-98 to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday night at Frost Bank Center.
“I feel like it was a special night for all of us, for most of us playing versus a good team in their arena with good fans,” Avdija said. “And I feel like we were a little bit excited.”
He acknowledged the impact of playoff intensity on a young roster making its postseason debut.
“A lot of our guys, it’s our first playoff, including myself. We’re not the most experienced,” Avdija said. “I definitely felt like we could have played better.”
Portland struggled to match San Antonio’s execution, particularly from the perimeter, where the team shot 10-for-38 from three-point range.
“I think part of it is just having the first playoff game and being in this environment, it’s a little shocking,” Avdija added. “It wasn’t our greatest game, but I think I’m very positive from what I saw today.”
Avdija pointed to missed shots and defensive lapses as key factors in the defeat.
“We didn’t play great. We didn’t shoot the ball great. Our defense needs to be sharper,” he said. “And I think it wasn’t we weren’t far off.”
The Blazers briefly fell behind by more than 20 points in the third quarter but responded with a run that cut the deficit back to single digits.
“I feel like that’s the positive thing I was talking about,” Avdija said. “We kept up composure at some times. I feel like we were right there.”
He noted that San Antonio’s shooting stretch was a major separator in the game.
“They shot the ball really good today and we got to see if they can do it consistently,” Avdija said. “But I think we need to sharpen our defense up, be even more aggressive.”
Avdija also addressed Portland’s matchup challenges against Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 35 points and set a franchise playoff debut scoring record for the Spurs.
“He had a good game today. He shot the three really good,” Avdija said. “But there’s nothing that we couldn’t really not do. I mean, we broke the paint.”
He emphasized that Portland’s approach was not the issue, but execution was.
“He’s a good rim protector, but I feel like we played our game. We just didn’t make shots today,” Avdija said.
Looking ahead, Avdija identified defensive discipline as the team’s primary adjustment before Game 2.
“We got to be more focused and sharper on the defensive end,” he said. “Box out. Be more physical, especially with Victor. It’s gonna be all right.”
