It’s been a shocking 48 hours for new Portland Trail Blazers Interim Head Coach Tiago Splitter.

Following Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups’ arrest by the FBI early Thursday morning for allegedly taking part in an illegal gambling ring, Splitter is the man the organization has called on as the Next Man Up to lead during this rocky time.

Splitter, 40, joined the Blazers coaching staff as an assistant this summer. Now, after just one game in that role, he’ll serve as the Blazers head coach in tonight’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors and likely 80 more regular-season games after that.

Before tonight’s game, Splitter spoke with reporters for the first time in his new role during the Blazers’ regular pregame media availability session at 5:15 p.m. Splitter’s interview also marke

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