The Portland Trail Blazers (2-2) dominated the second half, pulling away for a convincing 122-108 victory over the depleted Los Angeles Lakers (2-2) on October 28.
Here are the key stats and the top performers of the game.
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Deni Avdija POR SF 25 PTS | 1 STL | 3 BLK | 44.8 FPS
Deni led the Blazers in scoring, knocking down five three-pointers for his fourth straight game with at least 20 points, while also delivering a strong all-around performance.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Austin Reaves LAL SG 41 PTS | 5 AST | 3 STL | 54.3 FPS
Reaves continues to stand out offensively, scoring 92 points over his last two games while shooting an incredible 33-for-36 from the foul line. He’s putting up All-Star numbers this season, averaging nearly 36 points, 3 triples, 7.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.8 steals through his first four games. With the team missing several key players, he’s expected to continue carrying the load.
SCORING LEADERS
Jrue Holiday POR PG 24 PTS | 10-15 FG | 4-7 3PT | 46.0 FPS
Holiday finished with his second straight 20-point game while continuing to put up solid numbers in rebounds and assists.
Rui Hachimura LAL PF 16 PTS | 6-12 FG | 2-5 3PT | 24.7 FPS
Hachimura has been highly efficient on offense over his last three games, converting 23 of 35 shots from the field and averaging 19 points.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Donovan Clingan POR C 14 REB | 1 STL | 2 BLK | 42.8 FPS
Clingan has recorded double-digit rebounds in back-to-back games. Last season, he grabbed 10 or more boards in 20 games, mostly coming off the bench.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
Deandre Ayton LAL C 8 REB | 2 STL | 1 BLK | 34.6 FPS
DominAyton has been a consistent presence on the scoreboard in his first four games with the Lakers, averaging 9.2 rebounds and 1 block. He’s also been solid offensively, scoring at least 15 points in each of his last three games. Since entering the league, he’s averaged a double-double in seven straight seasons.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Jerami Grant POR PF 22 PTS | 7-13 FG | 3-7 3PT 40.1 FPS
Grant is on a hot streak, shooting 57.4% from the field and 47.8% from three while recording his third 20-point performance in four games.
THE X-FACTOR:
Jared Vanderbilt LAL PF 14 PTS | 8 REB | 3 STL | 36.1 FPS
Vando has been a key part of the Lakers’ rotation over the last three games, making a strong defensive impact by averaging 6.7 rebounds and 3 stocks per outing.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Shaedon Sharpe POR SG 16 PTS | 7 REB | 4 STL | 34.4 FPS
Sharpe continues to have problems from deep, going 2-for-21 over his last three games. Despite that, he has remained a strong scorer, putting up at least 15 points in four straight games while also being a constant presence on defense with his steals.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Dalton Knecht LAL SF 16 PTS | 2-8 3PT | 2 TO | 26.9 FPS
Knecht saw a bigger role today for the undermanned Lakers. While he provided decent production on both ends, he continues to struggle with his shooting. In six preseason games, he made just 6 of 34 attempts from three, and has gone 2 for 11 so far this season.
