De’Aaron Fox scored 37 points with eight assists to lead the San Antonio Spurs past the Portland Trail Blazers 115-102 Wednesday at the Moda Center.
Devin Vassell added 23 points, while the Spurs shot 88% from the free-throw line and 33% from three to secure the victory and keep their NBA Cup hopes alive.
Deni Avdija matched Fox with 37 points and eight assists for Portland but struggled from the line in the fourth, missing four consecutive free throws that stifled a late rally.
The Spurs trailed for much of the first half but took a 56-54 lead at halftime after a key 3-pointer by Fox. A layup by Kelly Olynyk put San Antonio ahead by 11 with 5:23 left in the fourth, forcing Portland into a frantic comeback.
Toumani Camara’s 3-pointer cut the deficit to eight, and a replay review gave Portland two free throws and possession, but Avdija missed both and the Blazers failed to capitalize. Fox added a bank shot with 3:22 remaining and two free throws with 2:52 left to extend the lead to 111-101.
Key players returned from injury, with rookie Dylan Harper scoring seven points in 16 minutes for San Antonio and Shaedon Sharpe adding 11 in 18 minutes for Portland.
San Antonio visits Denver on Friday night, while Portland hosts Oklahoma City on Sunday in NBA Cup group play.
