The San Antonio Spurs went into Portland and dominated the Trail Blazers in a 118-103 victory. The Spurs now hold a 3-0 series lead and are one victory away from reaching the Western Conference finals for the second straight year. Tony Parker scored a game-high 29 points and was masterful as the key for the Spurs early lead on the road.
Spurs vs. Trail Blazers final score, NBA playoffs 2014: Tony Parker leads San Antonio to 118-103 victory in Portland
The Spurs have taken command of their second round series against the Trail Blazers.
Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio led by as many as 23 points, having their way with the Trail Blazers’ defense. San Antonio had no trouble going on the road to one of the loudest home crowds and continuing the high-level of play they’ve performed at through the series.
Portland made a push in the second half, cutting the Spurs lead down to single-digits in the third quarter and keeping it competitive through the fourth, but the Spurs survived multiple runs and pulled ahead by 20 points again. San Antonio made timely plays to respond to the runs made by Portland and maintained their lead throughout the second half.
Tim Duncan was quiet through the first half but made big plays in the second, finishing the night with 19 points. Manu Ginobili added in 14 points, five rebounds and four assists off the bench.
LaMarcus Aldridge's struggles continued in Game 3. He scored 21 points but shot just 9-for-23 from the field. Tiago Splitter did a phenomenal job on defense, forcing Aldridge into tough shots over his outstretched arms. Damian Lillard also couldn't find his rhythm, shooting 33 percent for 21 points. He missed all six of his three-point attempts.
Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum combined to shoot 8-of-17 from beyond the arc and each player scored at least 20 points, but the rough nights from Aldridge and Lillard put them in too large a hole to dig out of. Portland's bench scored just six points, and now Portland must regroup to win four straight games with two contests left in San Antonio in order to avoid elimination.
Game 4 is Monday in Portland.
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