The Blazers continued their impressive start to the season, defeating the Lakers 136-129 to improve to 3-0. Mika Nouri’s team withstood the home team’s late comeback and delivered big plays when they were needed most.
Ja Morant and Deni Avdija each scored 23 points, while Damian Lillard added 21 and hit the game-winning three-pointer with 43 seconds left. Jrue Holiday also had 22 points on a night when Portland had a variety of offensive options.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The Blazers entered the fourth quarter with the upper hand, but Luka Dončić’s return to the court changed the course of the game. The Slovenian led the Lakers’ comeback effort, keeping the game wide open until the final minutes.
At that point, however, the visitors kept their cool. Lillard and Avdija hit back-to-back three-pointers, while Morant sank two consecutive mid-range shots to give his team a five-point lead. Lillard essentially sealed the victory with his fourth three-pointer of the game.
Dončić finished the game with 41 points and 9 assists, including six three-pointers, just a few days after his impressive 52-point performance against Utah. Despite his latest standout performance, the Lakers suffered their first loss of the season.
Austin Reaves added 26 points for Los Angeles, while Sandro Mamukelashvili also provided significant support with 17 points, 13 of which came in the first half. The Lakers managed to stay close on the scoreboard, but they were unable to contain the Blazers’ offensive firepower.
NBA Results:
Boston Celtics–Brooklyn Nets 125–124 (overtime)
New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons 111-97
San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings 130-103
LA Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers 129–136
*Photo source: AP
