On a night when Victor Wembanyama’s untimely concussion stole headlines, Scoot Henderson’s coming-out party became the real story.
The Portland Trail Blazers stole a road win Tuesday over the San Antonio Spurs, 106-103, tying the opening-round series, 1-1.
Scoot scored a game-high 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting, including 5-of-9 from the three-point line, in 38 minutes.
After the contest, head coach Tiago Splitter told reporters, “I don’t know if I have the words. Best game for him this season.
“Maybe his career.”
As a refresher: That career began in 2023 when Portland selected the G League Ignite prospect two spots behind Wembanyama. It was the summer of Damian Lillard’s trade request, and as the No. 3 draft pick, Scoot had fans envisioning him holding the keys to the franchise (soon).
Up to this point, the Blazers have yet to hand the keys to their point guard of the future. And to be fair, Scoot hasn’t forced their hands, either.
At least, he hadn’t before Game 2.
In a game where Portland set the tone early, Scoot’s energy and activity were undeniable out of the gate.
His game was confident. His jumper was wet. Few possessions passed without his fingerprints left on the scene.
Simply put, Scoot was everywhere as the Blazers started hot with Wembanyama still on the floor.
Still, above all, Scoot played a consistent Game 2. A trustworthy Game 2. It wasn’t perfect, but errant passes were afterthoughts instead of defining, and his effort matched his production every step of the way.
Of course, Scoot didn’t win this on his own. Toumani Camara made key defensive plays throughout, and he found his stroke late—a key ingredient in Portland’s 14-point comeback.
Robert Williams was also a machine off the bench, finishing at the rim (11 PTS, 5-of-6 FG), collecting nine boards and four assists, and bodying anybody brave enough to try him.
As it goes, Scoot won’t win this series alone. He’ll need that same support from Camara and Time Lord. Deni Avdija’s impact driving the lane will be critical, too, regardless of how many games Wembanyama misses.
Speaking of extra-large centers, there’s Donovan Clingan’s offensive rebounding, which might be Portland’s biggest weapon when their three-point shot isn’t falling. And if you add in Clingan’s own three-point touch, you can truly test San Antonio’s defense in every sense.
Of course, all that said, the Spurs saw all of that in their game plan. What they didn’t see coming was The Scoot Game.
They won’t be caught off guard again, knowing that to cut off the head of the snake, they now need to cut off Scoot’s production.
But it’s like coach Splitter said Tuesday night.
“He carried us.”
Scoot has proved he’s ready for the moment.
Game 3 might just be when he proves it again.
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