Doncic Scores 41, but Lakers’ Perfect Run Ends Against Portland

WHO:

NY Post - Luka Doncic and Ziaire Williams were ruled out against the Clippers; Doncic had back tightness and Williams had left foot soreness.

Silver Screen and Roll - Lakers head coach JJ Redick said the team’s defensive discipline was inadequate; Walker Kessler said he needed to be more aggressive pursuing the ball.

NY Post - Luka Doncic scored 41 points for the Lakers.

Newsweek - The Lakers and Trail Blazers were described as undefeated before their matchup.

Pro Football Network - Damian Lillard powered the Trail Blazers past the Lakers.

WHAT:

Newsweek - Damian Lillard’s clutch three-pointer lifted Portland past the Lakers.

Silver Screen and Roll - Portland’s four ball handlers scored in varying ways: Deni Avdija attacked at all three levels, Ja Morant drove and finished in the paint, Jrue Holiday created offense off the ball, and Damian Lillard used high pick-and-rolls to make moving three-pointers or draw shooting fouls.

Silver Screen and Roll - Luka Doncic had nine assists alongside his 41 points; Austin Reaves made his 26 points with high efficiency.

Silver Screen and Roll - Damian Lillard scored 21 points, Deni Avdija and Ja Morant scored 23 each, and Jrue Holiday added 22 off the bench.

Silver Screen and Roll - Austin Reaves scored 26 points and had nine assists; Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 16 off the bench.

Silver Screen and Roll - Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan made 6 of 7 combined three-point attempts.

Silver Screen and Roll - Portland’s three-point barrage in the final quarter lifted it ahead after the Lakers kept pace through the first three quarters.

Silver Screen and Roll - Redick said, “if we score 129 points at home, we should be able to get enough stops to win.”

NY Post - The Lakers lost 136-129 to the Trail Blazers, despite Doncic scoring 41 points; the loss dropped the Lakers to 3-1.

Newsweek - The matchup was described as an early Western Conference showdown, with the Lakers’ perfect start on the line.

Pro Football Network - The Trail Blazers spoiled Doncic’s 41-point night and handed the Lakers their first loss.

Pro Football Network - The game prompted reactions including “Damian Lillard Owns the Lakers” and “Defense Is Horrible.”

WHERE:

Silver Screen and Roll - The game was played in Los Angeles.

Newsweek - The Lakers hosted the Trail Blazers.

WHEN:

NY Post - Doncic and Williams were out against the Clippers on Wednesday, in the second night of a back-to-back.

WHY:

Silver Screen and Roll - JJ Redick said the Lakers were “broken down a lot” and that their game-plan and personnel discipline “wasn’t where it needs to be.”

Pro Football Network - The Lakers’ first loss came as the Trail Blazers defeated them, with Lillard powering Portland’s win.

HOW:

NY Post - The Trail Blazers won by a seven-point margin, 136-129.

Pro Football Network - The Trail Blazers’ victory came despite Doncic’s game-high 41 points.

The Trail Blazers handed the Lakers their first loss, winning 136 to 129 in Los Angeles as Damian Lillard’s clutch three-pointer helped Portland pull ahead in the fourth quarter. Luka Doncic scored 41 points and dished out nine assists, while Austin Reaves added 26 points and nine assists, but Portland got balanced scoring from Deni Avdija and Ja Morant with 23 points each, Jrue Holiday with 22 and Lillard with 21. Lakers coach JJ Redick said the team’s defensive discipline fell short, and the loss dropped Los Angeles to 3-1.