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Devin Vassell described his first postseason game as a high-intensity introduction to playoff basketball after the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 111-98 in Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday at Frost Bank Center.
“Fans were amazing. The atmosphere was crazy,” Vassell said. “I think it took us a little bit to settle in, and that’s just first game, maybe nerves, just anxious.”
San Antonio weathered Portland’s early pressure before taking control in the second half, with Vassell pointing to adjustments as a key turning point.
“As we settled in, that second half, they went on the run in the third quarter, but as we got stops and got out of transition and really settled into our game, that’s when we started pulling away,” he said.
The Spurs limited Portland to 28 or fewer points in every quarter, a defensive detail Vassell highlighted after the game.
“That’s big time. That’s big time. I didn’t know that,” he said. “We could be a whole lot better.”
Portland’s runs tested San Antonio’s composure, but Vassell emphasized the importance of response possessions and defensive discipline.
“We went over it all week, and then you get into the game, and it’s just a totally different animal,” he said. “If we can withstand a run, get some stops, and start getting some good looks, we’ll be all right.”
A decisive third-quarter stretch saw Vassell score eight straight points, including a key three-pointer that extended San Antonio’s lead, alongside multiple defensive stops.
“Just not giving up,” Vassell said. “Every possession matters, whether it’s the first possession in the first quarter or the last possession in the fourth quarter. Play to the whistle.”
He also credited the Spurs’ depth and collective defensive effort in slowing Portland’s primary scorers.
“The more fresh bodies we can get, the more we can pick him up, the more we can just be physical with him,” he said, referring to the team’s switching defensive approach.
The Spurs guard also spoke about the emotional energy inside the arena, where franchise legends were in attendance and the crowd created a playoff-heavy atmosphere.
“It’s a big family thing here,” Vassell said. “For them to have that type of support, it’s just huge for us.”
San Antonio’s offense featured multiple contributors, including Victor Wembanyama’s 35-point debut and balanced production from Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox, but Vassell stressed the importance of collective execution.
“Everybody’s got to be ready to go,” he said. “Each game is going to be different.”
Looking ahead to Game 2, Vassell expects cleaner execution after reviewing film and adjusting.
“Us watching film and us just learning and making adjustments onto little things, that’s going to be big for us,” he said. “I’m so ready for Game 2.”
The Spurs lead the series 1-0, with Game 2 scheduled for Tuesday in San Antonio.
