The Portland Trail Blazers appeared to face the Los Angeles Lakers ready to break a streak of three straight losses and settle against the world champions. Damian Lillard made his best impression of Gladys Knight, taking the microphone and singing, keeping all eyes on him. Unfortunately, his teammates were barely Pip. Lillard scored 35, but LeBron James hit 28. James’s teammates were far superior to Dame’s. Portland hit just 37.8%, 27.8 out of three in their 102-93 loss.
First quarter
The Blazers treated the Lakers like scraps of meatloaf in the first three minutes, frustrating them with each step. Mostly they performed the quick attack, attacking while LA was still figuring out what to do. Lillard and Gary Trent Jr. led the attack, sinking the jumpers while the Lakers watched. The home team found themselves calling the dreaded “let’s reset” time limit 10-2 with 9:00 remaining. Did not help. Instead of straightening the game, the Lakers started to turn the tide, leading to more points in Portland. The Blazers hit a large spine, and then the curb, when the second unit arrived, however. LA had a faster pace while the Portland game got ugly. Enes Kanter and Montrezl Harrell had a “Who can’t protect whom?” contest, leading to overwhelming fouls. When it comes to drawing whistles, however, Dame is the king. He remained on the ground for several minutes and fouls, preventing his team from passing out. Behind Lillard’s 15, Portland led 29-24 after one. It was a good effort, but after a brilliant start and so many from Dame, it looked like the pillow should have been bigger.
Second bedroom
Both teams clicked at the start of the second, hitting several intervals. None of them found sustained success internally, however. Packing the track with several defenders, opponents undressed and gorged themselves, forcing changes. The only clear shots were deep shots. The Blazers would not lose that competition, even on an irregular night. The tide started to change as the middle of the quarter minutes passed. Behind James, the Lakers became deadly serious in defense, protecting inside and out. This is a game that the Blazers will not win, even on their best night. Filling Lillard every time he went overboard and bothering all of his friends as they fired, the Lakers took the lead. That was like waving a red cape in front of Lillard, however. He shot, slipped and passed the LA traps, keeping his team in the fray. At halftime, Lillard’s count was 24, despite the Lakers doubling him in the arc each possession. That was enough to bet on Portland for a 57-54 lead at halftime.
Third quarter
The Blazers and Lakers may well have started ten guys named Joe at the start of the second half; the play was so sloppy. Free throws and twists were the order of the day. The good news for Portland was that the Lakers were trying to play home for them defensively, but LA has yet to win the split on the scoreboard. The teams bought time in the first 6:00, before the score increased a little. Unfortunately, most of it was on the Los Angeles side. Solid defense is his trademark; his offense would not go dormant forever. Portland still recorded blocks and thefts, but its basic defense has collapsed. Three points and quick breaks led LA to a double-digit advantage. The Blazers closed at 9 at the end of the period. The Lakers led 85-76 after three.
Fourth trimester
LeBron James sat on the bench at the start of the fourth period, but that did not stop the Lakers from extending their lead … a bad sign for Portland. Things got worse when he started playing again. The advantage skyrocketed to 15. The Blazers found themselves in desperation / recovery before the fourth ended four minutes. Despair did not help, nor was recovery possible. Isolated scores from Lillard and Gary Trent Jr. were the best the Blazers were able to muster. It wasn’t close enough.
Fatigue, a thinner squad and the law of averages reached Portland in this one. They will have to strike out and try again on Monday.
Points Box
Portland returns home to welcome Charlotte Hornets on Monday evening at 7:30 pm.