LaMarcus Aldridge Returns And Spurs Beat Blazers 113-101

San Antonio Spurs Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge said that his return to Portland weighed on him.

He was greeted by a mix of applause and boos, and scored 23 points to lead the Spurs to a 113-101 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. This was the Spurs’ third consecutive win, and the Blazers’ third straight loss.

“It was emotional,” four-time All-Star Aldridge said. “I have nothing but love for this city. I have so many memories in this arena so it was hard for me out there.” He spent nine seasons in Portland before cutting ties and becoming a free agent this summer. This matchup marked his first game in Portland since he signed a four-year deal worth $80 million with San Antonio in July. Three other starters left the Blazers during the offseason: Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum and Robin Lopez. 

Damian Lillard led the Blazers with 22 points, which included five 3-pointers and nine assists. After Lillard also tied the game at 66 in the third quarter with two free throws, the Blazers faced a setback as starting forward Meyers Leonard was sent to the locker room following a dislocated left shoulder and did not return. Portland struggled to keep pace, and the Spurs quickly gained a 97-87 lead after Aldridge’s shot with 6:59 left in the game.

After the game, Aldridge said, “the weirdest thing was not driving to the arena, coming on a bus and then coming in this locker room. I hadn’t seen this locker room before. So this was a first time for me, so confused.”

The Spurs will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, while the Blazers will visit Memphis on Friday night.