Trail Blazers vs. Spurs results, 2014 NBA playoffs: San Antonio hangs on late to beat Portland

San Antonio came out of the gates red hot on Thursday, surviving a late game push by the Portland Trail Blazers to grab a 114-97 win and a 2-0 series lead.

The first half was ugly for Portland, as the Spurs went off from three and mid-range. San Antonio had seven made three-pointers in the first half alone, dominating in transition and punishing the Blazers as they took the lead, 70-51, into the half.

Portland came out strong in the third quarter, running their wings off backdoor screens in order to get easy buckets. But Kawhi Leonard was absolutely unstoppable, knocking down four three-pointers and shooting an incredible 8-of-9 on the night.

The Blazers closed the gap to just eight points with 5:37 left in the fourth quarter, but a steady diet of Manu Ginobili and Leonard saw the Spurs pull away late. San Antonio looked dominant as Portland couldn't find range from three or with LaMarcus Aldridge on the block all night.

For San Antonio, it was Kawhi Leonard leading the way with 20 points, adding five rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Tony Parker added 16 points on 8-of-19 shooting, with 10 assists and one steal. Tiago Splitter dropped 10 points and 10 rebounds alongside two assists, one steal and a block. Tim Duncan had 10 points.

Nicolas Batum scored 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting for Portland, adding nine rebounds, two assists and a steal. LaMarcus Aldridge added 16 points on 6-of-23 shooting, with 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. Damian Lillard scored 19 points with five rebounds, five assists and a steal.