Spurs vs Blazers Game 2 Pick

Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs

Game 2

Thursday 9:35 EST

May 8, 2014

Line: San Antonio -7 (Subject to change. Check up-to-date odds at Bovada)

Damian Lillard grew up idolizing Tony Parker. LaMarcus Aldridge portrayed his game after future Hall of Famer, Tim Duncan. If Game one’s performance is any indication on where Lillard and Aldridge are in there careers both players have a long way to go.

In the first half of Game 1, Lillard played hesitant and scared. He was in awe of watching Parker, instead of trying to match him. He went just 2-of-7 with zero assists in the first half. By then, the game was all but over as San Antonio built a 26-point lead. The other 24 minutes were just a formality. Lillard attempted zero threes despite averaging nearly seven a game in the regular season and almost nine a game in the Blazers’ first-round win over the Houston Rockets.

Nothing went right for Portland.

The Spurs dominated, while frustrating Portland’s stars. Aldridge was a shell of the player we saw in round one. Lillard’s aggressiveness was nowhere to be found. Nicholas Batum and Wesley Matthews were already looking ahead to Game 2. Not even Portland’s bench, who played such a vital role against the Rockets were able to change the course of the game. Their offense was abysmal. The engines that drove this team all season long were running on fumes in Game 1.

The Blazers had no defense for the pick and roll. Then again, the Blazers had no defense for anyone wearing a Spurs uniform. The Spurs played a perfect game. As did Tim Duncan, who was playing in his 219th career playoff game.

The Spurs were prepared for anything the Blazers threw their way. San Antonio doesn’t need to change a thing heading into Game 2. They’ve been to this rodeo before. Judging the success of the Spurs’ season is only determined by whether or not they’re raising a championship trophy in June, not by a 24-point victory in Game 1 of the Conference semifinals. The Spurs understand this is a war of attrition and not just one 48-minute.

Despite trailing 1-0, Game 2 is a fresh start for the Blazers. They can learn a lot from their lack of execution in Game 1, but Portland must remember what got them to this point. Portland can’t allow the Spurs to fluster them on offense, or shut them down on defense. The Blazers success will be determined by the play of Aldridge and Lillard. Portland must throw the first punch in Game 2. That mean’s getting off to a fast start and not allowing the Spurs to dictate the flow of the game.

So while San Antonio landed the first blow, Portland is ready to respond. The Blazers aren’t going to land the knockout punch in Game 2, but they’ll likely be heading home with the series tied at one game apiece.

My Pick: Trail Blazers +7

May 8, 2014 by : Posted in Picks and Predictions No Comments
Adam Rosen

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Adam Rosen is a seasoned sports writer with special interests in Pro Football and Basketball. He has been picking sports games against the spread for years, and has posted a 56% win rate over his last 75 predictions.

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