Trail Blazers take control with stifling defense
The Portland Trail Blazers stormed past a shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers 122-108 on Monday night, riding a combination of relentless defense and balanced scoring to secure their first road win of the season. The Blazers managed to weather an early surge from the Lakers, then turned up the heat in the second half, forcing 25 turnovers that directly translated into scoring opportunities.
Portland’s defense was the story of the night. The team pressured ball handlers, forced fumbles, and harried shooters, turning missteps into fast-break chances. That intensity was on full display in the third quarter, when the Blazers stretched a one-possession game into a double-digit lead with a flurry of transition plays and timely stops. The Lakers, already shorthanded, found it difficult to generate consistent offense outside of Austin Reaves.
Balanced scoring lifts Portland
Deni Avdija led the charge for Portland with 25 points, shooting efficiently from the perimeter and sprinkling in timely drives. Jrue Holiday added 24 points and six assists, providing veteran leadership and playmaking alongside Avdija. Jerami Grant came off the bench to contribute 22 points, while Shaedon Sharpe and Donovan Clingan chipped in 16 apiece to help the Blazers maintain pace and stretch the floor.
As a team, Portland found rhythm through a diverse scoring attack that remained resilient even when the Lakers tried to slow the pace. The Blazers’ ability to spread the floor helped create driving lanes for Holiday and Avdija, enabling the team to convert at clutch moments and build a cushion in the fourth quarter.
A challenging night for the Lakers without their stars
Los Angeles entered the game missing multiple key players, including two of their top stars in Luka Doncic and LeBron James, leaving Reaves as the primary engine. Reaves dropped a career-best 51 points the previous night against the Kings and followed it with 41 in this one, showcasing his scoring versatility but finding little help around him as the Lakers faced serious depth losses. Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton each posted 16 points, and Jarred Vanderbilt added 14, but the supporting cast struggled to generate consistent offense behind Reaves.
The absence of veteran guards Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent further constrained an already thin Lakers backcourt, amplifying the workload on Reaves. With a limited rotation and a defense-focused game plan from Portland, Los Angeles could not sustain a late push, and the Blazers pulled away late in the game.
What this win means for Portland
For a team chasing consistency on the road, this winary marks a meaningful step forward. The Blazers exhibited a high level of competitive intensity, something coach-led adjustments emphasized after Sunday’s loss to the Clippers. Avdija’s shot-making, Holiday’s all-around contribution, and Grant’s scoring punch off the bench underscored Portland’s depth and two-way potential. The ability to win on back-to-back nights on the road signals healthy growth as they head into a tougher trip ahead.
Up next
Trail Blazers: Wrap up a three-game road trip with a game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, where they will try to continue this newfound rhythm on the road.
Lakers: Travel to Minneapolis to face the Timberwolves on Wednesday, seeking to stabilize a roster battered by injuries while Reaves looks to sustain his high-level scoring.
Bottom line
Portland leveraged a stifling defense and balanced offense to beat a depleted Lakers squad 122-108, securing a crucial road win and sending a message about their growing resilience this season.
