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The Portland Trail Blazers showed up to face the Los Angeles Lakers ready to break a three-game losing streak and win against the world champions. Damian Lillard made his best impression of Gladys Knight, taking the mic and belting him, keeping all eyes on him. Unfortunately, his teammates were barely half a pip. Lillard scored 35, but LeBron James countered with 28. James’ teammates were far superior to Dame’s. Portland shot just 37.8 percent, 27.8 of three on the way to a 102-93 loss.
First shift
The Blazers treated the Lakers like leftover meatloaf in the first three minutes, outsmarting them at every turn. Most of the time, they attacked quickly, hitting while Los Angeles still figured out what to do. Lillard and Gary Trent, Jr. spearheaded the attack, sinking cavaliers in front of the Lakers. The home side found themselves calling the dreaded 10-2 ‘reset’ time out with 9:00 am to go. It didn’t help. Instead of straightening their game, the Lakers started turning it around, leading to more Portland points. The Blazers hit a big speed bump, then the curb, when the second unit arrived, however. LA had the fastest pace as Portland’s game got ugly. Enes Kanter and Montrezl Harrell had a “Who Can’t Keep Who?” contests, leading to grinding fouls. When it comes to drawing whistles, however, Lady is the king. He remained on the ground for several minutes and fouls, preventing his team from collapsing. Behind Lillard’s 15, Portland led 29-24 after one. It was a nice effort, but after a lightning start and so many Dame, it felt like the cushion should have been bigger.
Second quarter
Both teams clicked early in the second, hitting from multiple ranges. However, neither has found lasting success on the inside. Racing the way with several defenders, opponents stripped and stuffed themselves, forcing turnovers. The only clear hits were the deepest. The Blazers weren’t going to lose this contest even on an uneven night. The tide began to turn as the middle of the shift passed. Behind James, the Lakers got very serious on defense, keeping on the inside AND on the outside. It’s a game the Blazers won’t win even on their best night. Stuffing Lillard every time he went to the edge and disturbing all of his friends as they shot, the Lakers took the lead. It was like waving a red cape in front of Lillard, however. He shot, slipped, and pushed his way past the Los Angeles traps, keeping his team in the fray. At halftime, Lillard’s total was 24 despite the Lakers overtaking him in the arc with every possession. It was enough to put Portland in a 57-54 halftime lead.
Third quarter
The Blazers and Lakers might as well have pitched ten guys named Joe at the start of the second half; the room was so sloppy. Free throws and turnovers were the order of the day. The good news for Portland was that the Lakers were trying to throw them home on the defensive, but LA still couldn’t win the split on the scoreboard. The teams bought some time in the first 6 hours before the score improved a bit. Unfortunately, most of it was on the Los Angeles side. A strong defense is their hallmark; their offense was not going to lie dormant forever. Portland still had blocks and flights, but their basic defense collapsed. Three runs and quick breaks led LA to a double-digit lead. The Blazers closed it at 9 at the end of the period. The Lakers led 85-76 after three.
Fourth trimester
LeBron James sat on the bench early in the fourth quarter, but that didn’t stop the Lakers from extending their lead … a bad sign for Portland. Things got worse when he returned. The lead climbed to 15. The Blazers found themselves in desperation / recovery mode before the quarterback hit four minutes. Desperation did not come to pass, and recovery was not possible. The lone scores of Lillard and Gary Trent, Jr. were the best the Blazers could muster. It wasn’t close enough.
Fatigue, a thinner roster, and the law of averages all caught up with Portland in this one. They will have to write it down and try again on Monday.
The score of the box
Portland returns home to host the Charlotte Hornets Monday night at 7:30 p.m.
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