Trail Blazers Tie Series, Defeat Spurs in Game 2

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 106-103 in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night. The win tied the series at 1-1 and marked the Trail Blazers' first playoff victory in five years. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday evening.

Coaching Situation in Focus

Trail Blazers Head Coach Tiago Splitter assumed the position after suspended coach Chauncey Billups was arrested and indicted on gambling charges following the first game of the season.

According to an ESPN report, new Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon has been conducting a coaching search while the team is still playing in the playoffs. This action is considered a breach of NBA etiquette.

The report also noted that Splitter said he is "just trying to be a pro" and focus on basketball amid the situation.

Contract Discussions Tabled

According to ESPN sources, the Trail Blazers and Splitter had preliminary discussions during the season about extending his contract. Sources indicated Splitter received a raise from his assistant coaching salary and discussed a longer-term deal, but the salary presented to him to continue as head coach was below standard NBA head coaching salaries. Further discussion was tabled until after the season.

Players Voice Support for Splitter

Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija commented on Splitter's performance since taking over.

"He was thrown in a difficult situation," Avdija said. "He's done phenomenal... getting the best out of everybody."

Avdija added that the players "love playing for him" and that Splitter "has all the tools to be a great coach."