The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Golden State Warriors 139-119 in their first game with Tiago Splitter as interim head coach following the indictment of Chauncey Billups.
“Honestly, it is a tough moment,” said Splitter. “I mean, we all had great experience with Chauncey, and we are thinking of him and his family. But we have a job to do, and we have to move forward.”
Billups recruited Splitter to join his coaching staff this past offseason to help revamp the Blazers’ offense. Splitter was head coach of Paris Basketball last season.
“I have to be ready,” Splitter said. “I was ready, I am ready.”
Splitter only got a few hours of sleep after Portland’s season opener before he was woken up shortly after 6 AM with the news of Billups’ arrest. Splitter then met with general manager Joe Cronin a few hours later and was asked to take over as interim head coach. Nate Bjorkgren had previous head coaching experience, but told Cronin that Splitter was the best choice for the role.Â