Doncic Goes for 50 as Blazers Game Plan Plays into Lakers’ Hands

Luka Doncic scored 53 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-118 NBA Cup victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Portland held an early rhythm but could not withstand a 15-34 third quarter. Deni Avdija and Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 22 points apiece, while Donovan Clingan contributed 17 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks.

Blazer's Edge writer Dave Deckard argues that Portland's strategy of aggressively wearing down Doncic backfired when the Trail Blazers fatigued in the fourth quarter. The Lakers took advantage of 24 Portland turnovers and gathered 17 offensive rebounds to out-shoot the Blazers 93-70 in total field goal attempts, overcoming an inefficient 11-of-37 shooting performance from three-point range.