LeBron James takes the Trail Blazers to (Old) School

The Portland Trail Blazers approached their game with Los Angeles Lakers Thursday night with a little fear and tons of energy. The Lakers’ absence of starting center Anthony Davis inspired hope that Portland could pull off a road win against their more skilled foes. For most of the evening, that possibility was kept alive. Although youth, athleticism and even a little luck (in the form of refereeing) went Portland’s way, the Lakers had a LeBron James more than Portland brought to the table. It was enough to put LA over the top 114-106. It was the 22nd loss of the year for the Blazers against just 11 wins.

Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 23. Four of five Portland starters scored 18 points or more.

Here are some of the factors that determined the outcome.

Fast game

Regardless of what else happened in this game, the Blazers went into it with a commitment to play fast and get into their offense early. It was reminiscent of the early weeks of the season where they at least found some measure of success. They didn’t wait or hold the ball in the half court. When they hit the three-point arc, the guards took penetrating dribbles and tried to create action. No one hesitated with their three-point shots either. Pushing in the transition was a natural outgrowth of the same.

Not only is this a more comfortable way to play, it’s super effective at getting all five players involved in the offense instead of the isolation heavy guards dominating. Actual effectiveness? It doesn’t always happen. But high energy beats no energy. The Blazers should commit to playing this way every night.

On the downside, the Lakers scored 26 fast break points to just 12 for Portland. Getting back on defense is just as important as getting up on offense. It is a work in progress.

Guard scoring

Both Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons got mid-range and long-range attempts throughout the game, shots that the Lakers were willing to give up. Portland’s backcourt scoring is actually pretty decent in the middle areas of the court.

However, neither goal scorer played a great game. Sharpe looked good at the rim. He also drew 8 foul shots. However, he shot just 1-5 from distance and scored 19. Simons was far more efficient, shooting 8-17, 4-9 on threes, but he committed 4 turnovers.

Bench Aggression

Partly because of the pace, partly because the guards created little space, partly because of the absence of Anthony Davis, Portland was able to make repeated forays into the paint against the Lakers. The bench team took advantage in particular. Portland’s three-point shooting isn’t great, but their athleticism gives them a chance when they get closer to the hoop. The Blazers scored 54 in the field, matching the Lakers’ production.

Father Bron

Whenever Portland’s youthful enthusiasm threatened to take over, LeBron James surveyed the court as if to say, “Time to settle down, kids.” Whether it was a well-placed pass or a devastating three, James kept the Lakers firmly in control after a shaky start. He looked untouched, effortless and at times incredible. It’s a stark reminder of the difference between what Portland does and championship ball. The balance alone could have been taught in a clinic.

With 3:00 left in the fourth and the Blazers down just 4, James stepped in and took a charge at Sharpe on a shot that Sharpe converted. That kind of willingness to do anything characterized both LeBron’s approach to the game and the exact reason the Lakers found the edge in this one.

That he called the game with a hard three with only a minute left was the icing on the cake. Incredible.

James finished the game with 38 points on 15-25 shooting, 7-10 from distance. Like Simons, he had 4 turnovers. The difference was that he made 8 assists along the way. (Simons had 5.)

What happened to the centers?

Without Davis in the lineup for LA and with their relatively good track record of late, one would have expected the Trail Blazers centers to step up in this game. That expectation was largely unfulfilled. Neither Deandre Ayton nor Donovan Clingan were able to get into the heart of the action, let alone dominate it. The high pace of play may have contributed, as well as the mobility of their Lakers counterparts. Whatever the reason, Portland’s two leading centers combined for just 10 points and 9 rebounds in 38 minutes of total play. They added 4 turnovers to the mix as well.

Rebounding

The lack of authority at the big positions showed up quite strongly in rebounding. The Blazers are generally a good offensive rebounding team. They only managed 8 tonight to 15 for the Lakers. Practice

Assist with turnover

The last metric to point out is a combo bonus. With LeBron leading the way, the Lakers passed effectively almost all night long. The Blazers looked powerless to stop them. LA finished the game with 30 assists against 13 turnovers. The Blazers produced just 24 assists balanced by 18 fouls. These conditions are not the same. Whatever point-guard-iness was on display in this one rested mostly on the Lakers’ side.

Next

Box score

The Blazers travel to Milwaukee to take on old friend Damian Lillard and the Bucks on Saturday at 17.00 in the Pacific Ocean.