The Portland Trail Blazers secured a hard-fought 115-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, January 3, 2026 (Sunday, January 4, Philippine Time), fueled by a spectacular triple-double from Deni Avdija. The win marks Portland's second consecutive triumph.
Avdija's Masterclass and Rookie Support
Deni Avdija was the undisputed star of the night, delivering a complete performance with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. His leadership was complemented by a career-high effort from rookie center Donovan Clingan, who contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds. Forward Toumani Camara also played a key role, adding 20 points and eight boards to the Blazers' tally.
The Spurs, playing without their All-Star center Victor Wembanyama (left knee soreness) and guard Devin Vassell (strained left adductor), got 20-point performances from both Luke Kornet and Julian Champagnie, who also grabbed 10 rebounds. However, their two-game winning streak ultimately came to an end.
A Game of Runs and a Late Spurs Push
Portland controlled the tempo for most of the game, never trailing in the first half and building a lead as large as 15 points. San Antonio's only lead came late in the third quarter at 74-71, but it lasted a mere 18 seconds before former Spur Sidy Cissoko hit a three-pointer to tie the game.
The Blazers then seized control with a decisive 12-0 run that spanned the third and fourth quarters, opening a 93-80 advantage. San Antonio, led by De'Aaron Fox's 19 points and Stephon Castle's 16, made a final push. A steal and assist from Fox to Castle for a dunk brought the Spurs within a single point at 111-110 with 1:36 remaining. Portland, however, executed efficiently down the stretch to close out the win.
A key factor was three-point shooting: Portland connected on 19 of 45 attempts from deep, while San Antonio managed only 10 makes on 31 tries.
Curry's Vintage Night and Other NBA Action
In other NBA action, Stephen Curry returned from a one-game absence due to a sprained left ankle to score 31 points, including six three-pointers, leading the Golden State Warriors to a 123-114 win over the Utah Jazz. Curry erupted for 20 points in the third quarter alone, hitting six of seven shots. Jimmy Butler also returned from illness to chip in 15 points and seven assists for the Warriors.
For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen was brilliant with 35 points, while Keyonte George posted 22 points and nine assists.
Elsewhere, the Dallas Mavericks snapped a four-game skid by defeating the Houston Rockets 110-104 behind Anthony Davis's 26 points and 12 rebounds and Max Christie's 24 points. Kevin Durant scored 34 for Houston in the loss.
Other Saturday results included: Minnesota Timberwolves 125, Miami Heat 115; Toronto Raptors 134, Atlanta Hawks 117; Philadelphia 76ers 130, New York Knicks 119; Charlotte Hornets 112, Chicago Bulls 99; and Boston Celtics 146, LA Clippers 115.
