Portland’s decision to skip the customary fan T‑shirts for Game 3 and Game 4 against San Antonio has sparked immediate criticism. President Dewayne Hankins confirmed the giveaway won’t happen at the Moda Center, a move that follows a string of cost‑cutting actions since billionaire Tom Dundon bought the franchise for $4.25 billion. Fans who expected the usual memorabilia now face empty seat backs.

The T‑shirt cut joins other austerity measures, notably the refusal to fly the team’s two‑way players to the road playoff games. Caleb Love, Chris Youngblood and Jayson Kent – all on NBA‑G League contracts – will stay home, even though rivals allow them to travel. Love logged 49 appearances this season, averaging 10.2 points in 20 minutes per contest this year overall as.

Beyond apparel, the franchise is tightening hotel expenses, with staff reportedly checking out early to dodge late‑checkout fees. The on‑court picture remains surprisingly steady: coach Tiago Splitter, a former Spur, has steadied a squad reeling from Chauncey Billups’ arrest and unpaid leave. With Damian Lillard set to return and a crop of young talent, Portland stays competitive despite the belt‑tightening.