Lakers B team unashamedly in Portland

A week after a defeat by the same opponentsdespite the card of Austin Reeves (41 points), the Lakers won in Portland. No Reaves, no Luka Doncic. Excused absences officially for the treatment of several injuriesbut also to give some space to the two stars who played almost 40 minutes against Heat the previous day.

In their absence, the three men took on the Californian level of “bodding.” Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura were more expected. The former, against his former team, recorded the most productive match of the season with 29 points (14/19 on shots) and 10 rebounds, showing ease around the circle.

The second, also the author of his best match, also showed great efficiency by varying the shooting distance (28 points on 10/15 on the shot). The third strongest man of the night, Nick Smith Jr. (25 points) was much less expected, but he did just as much damage to the opposing defense.

The Blazers’ amorphous defense

This, after showing seriousness in the first period (53-52), during which the Blazers had up to 13 points advantage, derailed in the second. In the third quarter, Tiago Splitter’s men were unable to deal with the interior activity of Ayton or even Jake LaRavia.

The Lakers gradually took the lead, while Danny Avdia (33 points) and Shaddon Sharp (23 points) stepped up their efforts to keep Portland in the game. This exchange of basket for basket did not go to the work of the locals. After a timeout with three minutes remaining, LaRavia scored in the post, without much resistance from Sharp.

Then Nick Smith Jr. took advantage of a good layup by Marcus Smart to sanction a three-pointer. Jrue Holiday’s response? “Air ball”… The same Smith Jr. again punishes from a good meter behind the arc, after Ayton’s offensive jump, to sign the “dagger” (105-117). Reaves, Doncic and the Lakers bench could rejoice.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Nick Smith Jr. Bouillant. The Lakers signed him to a modest “two-way contract” a month ago, the point guard has so far barely mentioned him in Los Angeles. After two bad outings in recent days, he took full advantage of the absences to prove himself. And be absolutely determined in the final. The former Hornets player, drafted 27th in 2023, even came close to the career high (28).

– A grim face among the Blazers. After three wins in a row (Lakers, Jazz and especially the Nuggets), the Blazers were big favorites for this meeting considering the composition opposite. At the end of the match, Tiago Splitter had a hard time hiding his frustration, considering that his team was too passive, that they failed to impose their rhythm and, above all, set the tone in defense. An unwanted poor performance before they welcome the reigning champions on Wednesday.

– Perfect away record. If the Thunder are the last undefeated team in the league, several teams have yet to lose on the road. Like the Sixers in the East and the Lakers in the West. Californians won the first four games in this context (Kings, Wolves, Grizzlies and therefore Blazers). And they will have to get used to traveling. After hosting the Spurs on Wednesday, they play their first “road trip” of their season (Hawks, Hornets, Thunders, Pelicans, Bucks).

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.