Blazers vs Spurs Game 5 Pick

Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs

Game 5

Wednesday 9:30 EST

May 14, 2014

Line: San Antonio -8 (Subject to change. Check up-to-date odds at Bovada)

No team has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit.

After the Portland Trail Blazers 103-92 victory over the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, San Antonio Spurs, although they still hold a commanding 3-1 series lead, the door is still open for the greatest comeback in NBA history.

Showing no signs of life through the first three games, the Blazers still have hope after being battered and bruised. But on Monday night, a different Trail Blazers took the court. Damian Lillard scored 25 points and played with energy and enthusiasm. LaMarcus Aldridge, who had 19 points and four rebounds, finally resembled the All-star that he is. For the first time this series, the Blazers were able to play their style of basketball. A style that at least for one game was no match for the Spurs. In the first three games of their Western Conference Semifinals series, the Trail Blazers did little to suggest they could compete with the Spurs. After their performance in Game 4, that has finally changed.

After dropping the first three games by an average of 18.7 points, the Blazers were able to put their struggles aside by playing a complete game. They were visibly more efficient on offense, but most importantly, their shut-down defense was vital in their Game 4 victory. Not only did the Blazers hold Parker to 14 points and one assist, after averaging 26 points and 8.5 assists in the first three games, the Spurs shot a series-low 44.3 percent and missed 15 of 18 3-pointers.

If history is on the Trail Blazers side, they’ll be remembering the Alamo for their victory in Game 5. Despite falling short in 2003 against the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs, the Blazers fought back and forced a Game 7 after falling behind 3-0. This time around, the task for the Blazers is more difficult. They weren’t facing the defending Western Conference champions or a team that tasted the heartbreak of falling seconds short of an NBA championship one year ago.

If Portland is able to control the tempo, and force the Spurs into playing a style that favors the Trail Blazers, there’s no reason to give up on Portland’s season just yet. However, if the Blazers revert back to their performances in games 1 through 4, there’s no doubt the Spurs will wrap up this series on Wednesday night.

Although Portland’s chance of comeback seems bleak, they’re still alive. For 68 years, no team in NBA history has come back to win a playoff series after falling down 3-0. It’s going to happen sooner or later, and although it won’t be easy, it can be done. The Spurs may very well advance to the Western Conference finals at some point, but it’s not going to be after Game 5.

My Pick: Trail Blazers +8