The Trail Blazers turned a five-point halftime deficit into a 136-129 road win by owning the second half.
Portland beat the Lakers 136-129, overcoming a 73-68 halftime deficit. The Blazers took control after the break, outscoring Los Angeles 68-56, including a 34-26 edge in the fourth quarter. Luka Doncic poured in 41 points on 12-of-22 shooting, with 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 0 steals, 1 block and 2 turnovers; he also made 6 of 15 threes and 11 of 13 free throws. Austin Reaves added 26 on 8-of-13 shooting, with 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks and no turnovers, plus 4-of-8 from three and 6-of-7 at the line. Ja Morant scored 23 on 9-of-13 shooting, with 0 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks and 1 turnover, while Deni Avdija also had 23, shooting 8-of-15 with 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks and 3 turnovers. Jrue Holiday scored 22 on 8-of-12 shooting, adding 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks and 1 turnover; Damian Lillard had 21 on 5-of-12 shooting, with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks and 2 turnovers. Portland’s balanced scoring and stronger second half secured the seven-point win despite Doncic’s 41-point night.
Key Performers
Luka Doncic: 41 PTS, 5 REB, 9 AST; 12/22 FG, 6/15 3P, 11/13 FT Ja Morant: 23 PTS, 4 AST; 9/13 FG, 1/1 3P, 4/4 FT Deni Avdija: 23 PTS, 4 REB, 9 AST, 1 STL; 8/15 FG, 4/7 3P
Standings Impact
Portland improves to 4-0, while the Lakers fall to 3-2.
DYMA Insight
Four Trail Blazers scored at least 21 points, giving Portland a spread-out answer to Doncic’s 41. The Blazers’ 68-56 second-half advantage decided a game in which Los Angeles had led by five at halftime.