A 12-Year-Old Analyzes Blazers-Lakers Game 2

The Portland Trail Blazers’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of their 2020 NBA Playoffs matchup was both anticlimactic and disappointing. Anthony Davis and LeBron James put on a tour de force and the Blazers never seemed to have a chance.

Normally after playoffs games I post a list of observations, breaking down nuances you may or may not have noticed. In this case, nuances are rare. Splatter patterns would be more appropriate.

You’re not bereft of analysis just because the Blazers spent much of the game down 30, however! Nowadays I have the privilege of watching games with a fellow Blazers fan, my 12-year-old (going on 22.5) son. The former Baby Point Guard has now morphed into a gangling, lanky, pre-teen version of himself, but his basketball eye is sharp and he’s usually happy to share opinions.

I told him I’d write down whatever he said during Game 2 and maybe use it for analysis, so he obliged with these observations for Blazer’s Edge and posterity.

First Half

• Man, the Blazers need to get in the paint more. They scored that way early but then gave up on it and went to the perimeter for isolation, covered attempts that they were missing.
• Anthony Davis has started succeeding when he goes deep in the paint. The Blazers aren’t stopping him.
• Portland’s defense is not doing great. Even though Los Angeles has been missing open shots, they won’t do it forever.
• Also Portland has had some tough turnovers, trying to make plays that weren’t high percentage. It hurts getting a pass stolen when the ball was just going to Hezonja anyway. Make better choices!
• Anthony Davis is really starting to go inside towards the basket instead of fading away. That’s scary.

Second Half

Dad: Whatcha got?

Son: Uhhhh...the Blazers aren’t going to win.

So there’s your sterling wrap-up from Game 2. Go ahead and add anything we missed in the comments!