The Portland Trail Blazers opened the Donovan Clingan era with a crazy late-game comeback, but failed to win. San Antonio Spurs in Las Vegas Summer League.
The Blazers lost 83-77 to the Spurs, which included Clingan. Connecticut His teammate, Stephon Cassel, has already played two games in the Summer League.
The Blazers, led by Jona Hersko, came back from an 18-point deficit in the third quarter to give the Spurs some headaches in the final three minutes.
Clingan was outstanding. Although he struggled offensively, scoring four points on eight attempts, he was a force on the defensive end, standing like a rock of Gibraltar under the basket.
His defensive instincts and ability to play vertically were as good as his hype, and with a little experience he looks to have the tools to be a force on that side of the ball.
In 27 minutes, the seventh-choice finisher finished with 13 rebounds, five blocks and a steal, and was 7-foot-2. Castle was the only Spurs player brave enough to really test the big man, and even he faced one of Clingan’s late-game shots.
Ryan Roberts was the Blazers’ second-best signing, with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Chris Murray had 9 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, and looked more aggressive on the offensive end.
Portland signings Justin Menea and Bryce McGowan showed some stuff despite committing five team fouls. Menea had 12 points on 3-of-4 three-point attempts, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals, and McGowan had 8 points on 2-of-5 three-point attempts, 2 assists and 3 steals.
Rip City Remix’s best player was forward Alex Reyes, who was the Blazers’ only offensive force during the first half of the game. He finished with 16 points on 3-of-9 three-point attempts, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks.
The Blazers return to the court on Monday to face Philadelphia 76ers.
