Blitzing Defense Disarms Blazers’ High-Scoring Offense in Loss to Lakers

The Trail Blazers’ current losing streak extended to four games after a low-scoring 102-93 loss to the Lakers on Friday. In the second half, Portland’s offense struggled with turnovers and efficiency—recording just 36 points in the final 24 minutes of action.

After the game, Damian Lillard explained how the Lakers interrupted the Blazers’ smooth-running offense. The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress highlighted Lillard’s comments.

“In the second half, they just loaded up, they were blitzing,” he said. “I didn’t really have any space. In that situation, my job is to draw the attention of the defense by coming of screens hard, trying to get downhill, and then make a play out of it.”

Lillard, who committed four turnovers in the loss, still managed to overcome an ankle issue and notch 35 points.

Along with Lillard, coach Terry Stotts focused on the Blazers’ struggles on offense.

“Tonight was about our offense,” Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. “The Lakers did a really good job of being aggressive on us, created turnovers in the third quarter, and we weren’t able to capitalize on some of the looks that we did have.”

Coach Stotts’ squad finished the contest with 16 turnovers. From the field, the Blazers connected on 38.6 percent of their attempts from field.

The Blazers will attempt to get back on track when they face the Hornets on Monday.