The Spurs led by 16 points with under three minutes left in the fourth quarter when De’Aaron Fox missed two free throws that would have sealed the game.
San Antonio held a 106-92 advantage after Victor Wembanyama secured a defensive rebound off a missed Thybulle three-pointer, but Portland clawed back with a 10-0 run sparked by Fox’s clutch free throw and Thybulle’s foul on the ensuing possession.
Spurs’ late-game execution faltered despite Wembanyama’s defensive presence
Victor Wembanyama recorded a key defensive rebound with 2:53 remaining, showcasing his rim protection that has anchored San Antonio’s top-ranked defense this season. However, the Spurs failed to capitalize on subsequent possessions, allowing Portland to close the gap without scoring a field goal in the final stretch.
San Antonio’s offense stalled after Wembanyama’s rebound, settling for contested jumpers and turning the ball over twice, which directly led to Portland’s free throw opportunities and momentum shift.
Fox’s clutch free throw kept Portland’s hopes alive in a must-win scenario
De’Aaron Fox made the first of two free throws after being fouled by Thybulle, cutting the deficit to 12 points with 2:51 left — a timely score that prevented the Spurs from extending their lead to 18 and forced San Antonio to earn the final stop.
Fox’s ability to draw fouls and convert under pressure has been a hallmark of his play this postseason, averaging 8.9 free throw attempts per game in the series and his composure here mirrored his performance in last year’s playoff opener against the Lakers, when he scored 10 fourth-quarter points to force overtime.
Why did the Spurs fail to close out the game despite the lead?
San Antonio struggled to execute offensively in the final minutes, missing shots and committing turnovers that prevented them from extending their lead and forced them to rely solely on defense to hold off Portland’s rally.
What does this mean for the Spurs’ playoff outlook?
Whereas the Spurs still hold home-court advantage and a strong defensive foundation, their inability to close games could turn into a liability if Portland continues to capitalize on late-game mistakes, especially in a tight series where momentum swings are critical.