Opinion
3 min read

Clash at Crypto.com Arena: Portland Trail Blazers Take On Los Angeles Lakers

As the Portland Trail Blazers gear up to face the Los Angeles Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena, fans are looking forward to what promises to be an electrifying matchup. The Blazers, coming off a nail-biting game against the Sacramento Kings on November 9th where they scored 118 points but fell short by three, will be seeking redemption.


PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER  10:  Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game during the game against the Phoenix Suns during the In-Season Tournament on November 10, 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

The previous encounter with the Kings highlighted both strengths and weaknesses for POR. Despite a loss, their scoring was distributed evenly across quarters and they managed an impressive 50 percent field goal percentage. However, turnovers were a thorn in their side with 18 lost possessions which ultimately may have cost them the game. The team's efficiency rating stood at 116 and they led for nearly half of the game time, indicating that when they control possession and minimize errors, they can dominate play.


On defense, POR needs to tighten up; allowing 121 points is far from ideal. They'll need to bring down their defensive points per possession from that game's 1.09 if they hope to contain LAL's offensive threats.


PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER  10:  D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns during the In-Season Tournament on November 10, 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking back further provides more insight into POR’s potential strategies against LAL. Their November 6th clash with Memphis Grizzlies saw them trailing in terms of shooting efficiency compared to their opponents (49 percent vs. Memphis' 59 percent true shooting percentage). Yet resilience shone through as POR turned around a deficit into a win by capitalizing on second-chance points and maintaining a higher assists turnover ratio than MEM.


The upcoming contest against LAL is not just another game; it’s an opportunity for POR to prove that their recent close losses are not indicative of their true potential as contenders in this league. Fans should expect aggressive playmaking from Portland as they look to exploit fast break opportunities – something that contributed significantly during their victory over Memphis earlier this month.


LAL will undoubtedly pose challenges with their home-court advantage and own set of dynamic players who can change the course of any game swiftly. However, if POR maintains focus on reducing turnovers while leveraging fast breaks and second-chance opportunities effectively like in past performances – there’s every reason for optimism among Blazer faithfuls.


Mark your calendars for November 13th at Crypto.com Arena where action kicks off at 7:00 PM PST/10:00 PM EST. Fans won't want to miss this showdown which can be caught live on ROOT Sports NW or SportsNet LA depending on your location.

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