The next challenge for the Trail Blazers is a colossal one. The San Antonio Spurs come calling to the Rose Garden on Sunday afternoon.
The Spurs (52-23) are on an eight-game winning streak and finding momentum as they work toward gaining the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. "This will be a good test for LaMarcus (Aldridge) and Joel (Przybilla), going up against Tim Duncan," coach Nate McMillan said. "And it will be a good test for our perimeter guys who guard (Manu) Ginobili and (Tony) Parker."
ROCKETS 95, BLAZERS 86: A 3 1/2-minute spurt at the end of the third quarter and a superstar named Tracy McGrady were the Blazers' downfall at the Rose Garden. Houston outscored the Blazers 13-0 during that span and McGrady scored 26 of his 35 points in the second half to lift the Rockets to the victory.
It was the fourth straight loss for the Blazers (38-38), who have gone 10-18 after a 28-20 start. The Blazers must win at least four of their remaining six games -- starting Sunday at home against San Antonio -- to secure the first winning record for the organization in five years.
"That's our goal," said center Joel Przybilla, who continued his rebounding tear with 15 in 39 minutes. "We're trying to win every game. The one thing I know is we'll play hard every time out."
