The Portland Trail Blazers approached their game with the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night with little fear and tons of energy. The Lakers missing starting center Anthony Davis inspired hope that Portland could pull out a road win against their more accomplished foes. For much of the evening, that possibility stayed alive. Though youth, athleticism, and even a bit of luck (in the form of referee judgment calls) went Portland’s way, the Lakers had one more LeBron James than Portland brought to the table. That was enough to put L.A. over the top 114-106. It was the 22nd loss of the year for the Blazers against only 11 wins.
Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 23. Four of five Portland starters scored 18 points or more.
Here are some of the factors that determined the outcome.
Fast Play
Whatever else happened in this game, the Blazers entered it with a commitment to playing fast and getting into their offense early. It was reminiscent of the first weeks of the season when they found at least some level of success. They didn’t wait or hold the ball in the halfcourt. Once they hit the three-point arc, guards took penetrating dribbles and tried to create action. Nor did anyone hesitate on their three-point shots. Pushing in transition was a natural outgrowth of same.
This isn’t just a more pleasing way of playing, it’s super effective in getting all five players involved in the offense instead of the isolation-heavy guards dominating. Actual effectiveness? That doesn’t always happen. But high energy beats no energy. The Blazers should recommit to playing this way every night.
On the downside, the Lakers scored 26 fast break points to just 12 for Portland. Getting back on defense is just as important as getting up on offense. It’s a work in progress.
Guard Scoring
Both Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons got attempts from mid- and long-range throughout the game, shots the Lakers were willing to cede them. Portland’s backcourt scorers are actually pretty decent in the middle areas of the court.
Neither scorer played a great game, however. Sharpe looked good at the rim. He also drew 8 foul shots. He shot only 1-5 from distance, though, scoring 19. Simons was far more efficient, shooting 8-17, 4-9 on threes, but he committed 4 turnovers.
Bench Aggression
In part because of the pace, in part because the guards created some space, in part because of the absence of Anthony Davis, Portland was able to make repeated forays into the paint against the Lakers. The bench squad took advantage in particular. Portland’s three-point shooting is not stellar, but their athleticism gives them a chance when they get closer to the hoop. The Blazers scored 54 in the lane, equaling the Lakers’ production.
Daddy Bron
Every time Portland’s youthful enthusiasm threatened to take over, LeBron James surveyed the court as if to say, “Time to settle down, children.” Whether it was a well-placed pass or a devastating three, James kept the Lakers in firm control following a shaky start. He looked unfazed, unbothered, and at times, unbelievable. It’s a stark reminder of the difference between whatever Portland is doing and championship ball. The poise alone could have been taught in a clinic.
With 3:00 remaining in the fourth and the Blazers down only 4, James stood in and took a charge against Sharpe on a shot that Sharpe converted. That kind of willingness to do anything typified both LeBron’s approach to the game and the exact reason the Lakers found the edge in this one.
That he iced the game with a tough three with just a minute remaining was, well, icing on the cake. Incredible.
James finished the game with 38 points on 15-25 shooting, 7-10 from distance. Like Simons, he had 4 turnovers. The difference was, he put up 8 assists along the way. (Simons had 5.)
What Happened to the Centers?
Without Davis in the lineup for L.A. and with their relatively good track record lately, one might have expected the Trail Blazers centers to step forward in this game. That expectation went largely unmet. Neither Deandre Ayton nor Donovan Clingan were able to get into the heart of the action, let alone dominate it. The fast pace of play may have contributed, as well as the mobility of their Lakers counterparts. Whatever the cause, Portland’s two lead centers combined for just 10 points and 9 rebounds in 38 total minutes of play. The added 4 turnovers to the mix too.
Rebounding
The lack of authority in the big positions showed up fairly strongly in rebounding. The Blazers are a good offensive rebounding team in general. They managed only 8 tonight versus 15 for the Lakers. Ouch.
Assist to Turnovers
The final metric to point out is a combo bonus. With LeBron leading the charge, the Lakers passed efficiently nearly the whole night long. The Blazers looked powerless to stop them. L.A. finished the game with 30 assists against 13 turnovers. The Blazers produced only 24 assists balanced with 18 miscues. Those ratios are not the same. Whatever point-guard-iness was on display in this one, it mostly rested on the Lakers’ side.
Up Next
Boxscore
The Blazers travel to Milwaukee to take on old friend Damian Lillard and the Bucks on Saturday at 5:00 PM, Pacific.
