SAN ANTONIO — In a competitive matchup on Thursday night, the San Antonio Spurs triumphed over the Portland Trail Blazers with a score of 118-105. Keldon Johnson and Malaki Branham each contributed 17 points, marking a significant win for the Spurs during their fourth consecutive game without head coach Gregg Popovich, who has been absent following a medical incident prior to a home game against Minnesota. Spurs’ acting coach Mitch Johnson expressed uncertainty about Popovich’s potential return before the game.

Assisting in the victory, Zach Collins and Julian Champagnie each added 14 points, allowing the Spurs to halt a two-game losing streak. Among the team, Victor Wembanyama contributed 12 points. Unfortunately, Branham had to exit the game just two minutes into the final quarter after sustaining a right ankle injury.

For the Trail Blazers, Deandre Ayton stood out with a double-double, scoring 21 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. Jerami Grant also matched this scoring effort with 21 points, and Anfernee Simons further supported the team with 19 points.

In terms of key takeaways, the Trail Blazers struggled from long range, finishing with a dismal 9-for-32 success rate from three-point territory. Simons had some success, going 3-for-9, but the rest of the starting lineup collectively made just 3 of their 12 attempts from beyond the arc. On the other hand, the Spurs have been working to establish a reliable second scoring choice alongside Wembanyama, and the impending return of Devin Vassell from his offseason surgery for a stress reaction could prove beneficial to their efforts. Vassell has missed the opening nine games of the season due to his recovery.

A crucial moment in the game occurred when the Spurs managed to widen their lead to 68-62 after a significant three-point shot from Branham, following an off-the-ball foul committed by Grant, which Wembanyama capitalized on with a free throw.

Highlighting team contributions, the reserves for the Spurs combined to score a total of 58 points, showcasing the depth of the roster during a time when injuries to key players like Jeremy Sochan, Tre Jones, Vassell, and now Branham have called for increased support from the bench players.

Looking ahead, the Trail Blazers are set to face off against Minnesota on Friday night, while the Spurs will be hosting the Utah Jazz on Saturday.