The Portland Trail Blazers were expected to dispatch the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight. Even on the second night in a row, the odds were in Portland’s favor. List and record were both superior. Even injured, the Blazers could use the firepower of Damian Lillard and Gary Trent, Jr. The Cavaliers boasted the Andre Drummond center and a cast of strangers. They remained as incognito leaving the Moda Center as they entered, while the Blazers defeated their unfortunate opponent 129-110.
Damian Lillard scored 20 with 9 assists. Enes Kanter added 21 with 7 offensive rebounds. Gary Trent, Jr. scored 26 to lead the team. Carmelo Anthony gave the team an efficient 23.
First quarter
Trent, Jr. placed the Blazers in an early play, hitting three free throws from a foul, then a conventional three-point play. This started a parade of whistles in favor of Portland worthy of the Brazilian carnival. The Blazers jumped to a 14-4 lead, courtesy of fake shots from drives and fakes. When Drummond suffered two fouls and had to sit, the Blazers also had a size advantage. The game became a defeat. The Blazers stayed ahead by 15-16 points for most of the quarter … and that without hitting a single three points. The bank gave up some of the lead at the close of the quarter, but Portland still led 34-23 after the first.
Second bedroom
The defense fell slightly with the opening of the second period. Cleveland just wants to score from the inside. Portland knew that, but he still let it go. But the attack remained strong and the Cavs never really threatened. Carmelo Anthony continued with his momentum from last night, hitting the post with a variety of complicated movements. Trent, Jr. was money, no matter where he touched the ball. Anfernee Simons’ goal made the game almost unfair. Reservations kept the seat warm until Lillard checked in. He set fire to the nets and hit the hands of teammates for assistance, captaining almost every move. Cleveland had no answer for what was already happening, much less for Lillard. Dame had 8 assists at halftime and Portland led 73-52 at halftime.
Third quarter
The Cavaliers left with 3-4 minutes of lively play to start the third, but three from Trent, Jr. and Lillard extinguished the spark before it could light. Even when teammates missed, Enes Kanter continued to pull offensive rebounds for easy rebounds. The third period ended with Portland up 100-77. The result of that point was a foregone conclusion.
This was another solid victory for Portland against a team they were supposed to beat, and it did so. It is exactly the kind of victory that can keep them afloat during injuries, preserving a sense of growth and dignity as they await the return of CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic, who are trying to achieve good seed in the NBA’s 2021 playoffs.
Stay tuned for our extended review review soon.
Points Box
The Blazers are now on the road to face the Dallas Mavericks at 4:30 am in the Pacific on Sunday.