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Luka Doncic scores 41, but Trail Blazers deliver stunning early-season statement against Lakers
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- Luka Doncic scores 41, but Trail Blazers deliver stunning early-season statement against Lakers
Luka Doncic scores 41, but Trail Blazers deliver stunning early-season statement against Lakers originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Luka Doncic scored 41 points Tuesday night, giving the Los Angeles Lakers another remarkable individual performance from their superstar.
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It wasn't enough.
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Lakers 136-129 at Crypto.com Arena, handing Los Angeles its first loss of the season and keeping their own unbeaten start intact.
The result was particularly impressive because Portland didn't depend on one player to carry the offense. Instead, the Trail Blazers received significant contributions from several established stars, including Ja Morant, Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday.
Portland had answers for everything Doncic did
Doncic entered Tuesday coming off a 52-point performance against the Utah Jazz . He followed that effort with 41 points and nine assists against Portland, knocking down six three-pointers and repeatedly keeping the Lakers within striking distance.
Austin Reaves added 26 points, while Sandro Mamukelashvili contributed 17.
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But Portland's offensive balance ultimately proved too much. Morant and Deni Avdija scored 23 points apiece. Holiday finished with 22, while Lillard added 21.
Four players scoring at least 21 points gave Portland a variety of options when Los Angeles increased the pressure late. That versatility was especially important during the fourth quarter.
Lillard still knows how to close a game
The Lakers made a push after Portland built an eight-point lead early in the fourth. Doncic returned to the floor and helped Los Angeles fight back, creating a tense finish between two teams that had entered the night undefeated.
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Lillard and Avdija connected on important three-pointers, but the Lakers continued responding.
Then Morant took over for two crucial possessions. The former Memphis Grizzlies star hit consecutive midrange jumpers to give Portland a five-point advantage.
Lillard followed with another three-pointer with 43 seconds remaining, delivering a decisive blow to the Lakers' comeback hopes. Portland closed the game on a 15-8 run. The 36-year-old Lillard finished with four made three-pointers, proving he remains capable of delivering in important moments.
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Portland's unbeaten start deserves attention
The Trail Blazers improved to 3-0 under head coach Micah Nori.
According to the Associated Press, it is only the franchise's second 3-0 start in the last 15 years. That accomplishment is especially notable considering the roster's collection of players with extensive experience in different organizations.
Morant brings explosive scoring ability, Lillard remains a dangerous perimeter threat and Holiday provides another accomplished veteran presence. Avdija's 23-point contribution also demonstrated that Portland's success doesn't have to revolve around its most recognizable names.
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The Lakers fell to 3-1 despite another outstanding night from Doncic. Los Angeles returns to action Wednesday against the Clippers , while Portland hosts Memphis on Thursday.
It's still early in the NBA season, and neither team's long-term direction will be determined by one October game.
But Tuesday delivered an intriguing result. The Lakers had the night's leading scorer. The Trail Blazers had more answers when the game was on the line.
