Tiago Splitter reacts to ownership distractions and changes during playoffs

The Portland Trail Blazers just won a huge Game 2 in San Antonio, defeating the Spurs, 106-103. It was the first for interim head coach Tiago Splitter, who took over in place of Chauncey Billups amid the FBI’s gambling investigation.

Elsewhere, however, the Blazers may be attempting to replace Splitter before the season is even complete.

According to multiple reports from local Oregon media members and national reporters, new Blazers owner Tom Dundon is making swift changes to how the Blazers have operated for a long time. One of those changes is apparently looking for a new head coach in the annual salary ballpark of about $1 million per season.

Prior to Game 2 tipping off in San Antonio, Splitter was asked about the rumors and did his best to explain how he’s viewing his current situation.

“I didn’t talk to the team about that,” Tiago Splitter told members of the media before the game of the reports around Tom Dundon’s involvement. “I did at the beginning of the play in mention that it’s not a time to be on social media and reading everything that is going on out there or even on TV. I think a couple coaches that i had, you know, gave that advice to me and I know it’s hard. Social media is part of our lives, but I’m trying to just focus on basketball.”

Blazers coach Tiago Splitter answered a question on reports that new ownership has been making drastic cuts to costs during the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/RY582XEDiG

— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) April 21, 2026

In the first few weeks of Dundon’s ownership, there are reports that the Blazers are the only team to not travel two-players while another reported that that they were looking to cut one of their two mascots.

ESPN reported on Tuesday night that one of the Blazers’ other recent cost-cutting moves was cutting back on complimentary tickets to home playoff games for support staff.

Despite all of that, the Blazers were able to hold on and win Game 2 in San Antonio, setting the stage up for a pivotal Game 3 in Portland. Scoot Henderson recorded a game-high 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting from he field and 5-of-9 from three.

Game 3 will now feature a couple says off before both teams take the court to see who will take a 2-1 series lead after Friday night.

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