Tiago Splitter
The Portland Trail Blazers shocked the NBA world on Tuesday, overcoming a massive fourth quarter deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 106-103 thanks to a 27-10 run to end the game. The series is now tied 1-1 heading to Portland.
The Blazers are being led by first-year head coach Tiago Splitter, who was given an interim title after Chauncey Billups was arrested back in October. Portland finished the regular season with a 42-40 record and the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference standings.
The Blazers won their play-in game against the Phoenix Suns to advance into the playoffs and face the Spurs, the franchise’s first playoff appearance in five years.
Despite the success, Splitter is far from a certainty to return next season and remain the Blazers’ head coach.
According to ESPN senior NBA reporter Ramona Shelburne, Blazers’ owner Tom Dundon has been in contact with potential coaching candidates. He’s also reportedly reshaping spending across the organization, including a preference for a lower head coaching salary.
“Sources told ESPN that Splitter was given a raise from his assistant coaching salary and discussed a longer-term contract during the season,” Shelburne Tweeted. “The salary presented to him to continue on as head coach was far below a standard NBA head coaching salary, and further discussion was tabled until after the season, sources said.”
Shelburne reported that Splitter is tuning out the noise around his job status.
Dundon has been criticized for cost-cutting but he claims to be unfazed. Some of those decisions include not traveling two-way players for playoff games and limiting certain staff resources. Dundon also owns the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes.
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 20: Acting head coach Tiago Splitter of the Portland Trail Blazers gives direction to his team during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Moda Center on February 20, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
The Brazilian former NBA center for seven seasons has quickly risen through the NBA’s coaching ranks. He primarily played with the Spurs and was part of the 2014 NBA championship team. He transitioned to coaching after his playing days were over with time spent as an assistant with multiple teams in the league.
Under Splitter, who took the helm under unfortunate circumstances, the Portland Trail Blazers have stabilized and turned what could have been a disastrous season into some spectacular.
GettyPortland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija celebrates after a made shot. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Portland’s growth has been fueled by the emergence of Deni Avdija, who under Splitter has developed into a consistent two-way presence. He was a candidate for the league’s Most Improved Player honors.
The Blazers winning game two of the series agains the Spurs will put the rest of the league on notice. Time will tell if they can make a run.
Alex Shoemaker Alex Shoemaker is a seasoned sports journalist and digital content strategist with more than a decade of experience in newsrooms and digital media. He has covered a wide range of sports, including March Madness, the Olympic Trials, and local high school athletics. He began his journalism career covering high school and community sports, developing a reputation for sharp storytelling and precise design that earned awards for both writing and pagination. More about Alex Shoemaker
此内容由惯性聚合(RSS阅读器)自动聚合整理，仅供阅读参考。 原文来自 — 版权归原作者所有。