San Antonio Spurs thrash Portland Trail Blazers in playoff opener

The Portland Trail Blazers slumped to a heavy defeat to the San Antonio Spurs in the first meeting in their playoff series.

The Western Conference's top seeds never trailed in the 116-92 victory, having opened up a 13-point lead by the end of the first quarter.

Tony Parker was the Spurs' top scorer, finishing the game with 33 points, 13 of which came in the opening 12 minutes.

LaMarcus Aldridge led the Blazers with 32, but the visitors trailed by at least 20 points throughout the second half.

The second game of the series takes place tomorrow evening.