Game Three was evidence of how depleted the Blazers are across the board. With a lot of key gamers missing, Portland was visibly exhausted throughout the second half, in which the Lakers turned a four-point halftime deficit into a seven-point lead after three. Damian Lillard did what he could, scoring 34 points, but went cold in the 4th quarter. LeBron James had 38 points, including 12 at the free toss line as the Blazers depth was tested profoundly by early nasty trouble.
August 24, 2020 – 6:00 p.m. PTBlazers injuries: Rodney Hood (out), Trevor Ariza (chose out), Nassir Little (out), Zach Collins (out), Caleb Swanigan (opted out) Lakers injuries: Rajon Rondo (doubtful), Avery Bradley (opted out) How to enjoy on TV: NBCSNW, TNT (or have a look at Fubo for your streaming needs) Radio: 620 AMSBN Affiliate: Silver Screen and Roll
The Portland Trail Blazers aim to avoid a 3-1 hole versus the Los Angeles Lakers and rally to even the series.
What to expect
Discover the Middle Ground. The Blazers terribly need clarification from the NBA league front office on what makes up a nasty. The only times during Game Three where the calls went Portlands method came when Gary Trent Jr. would take an elbow to the face protecting LeBron James and be up to the ground. If the Blazers can not stop a James or Anthony Davis drive without fouling, there is very little hope left.
Jusuf Nurkic left a number of points on the rim in Game Three by trying to outguess Anthony Davis when attacking the hoop. Nurkic may have been in foul difficulty at the time, and Davis gets more than a lions share of charging fouls versus him, however Nurkic needs to directly strike the basket.
Find a Place for Carmelo. Carmelo Anthony played well in the bubble games, however has actually enormously struggled in the Lakers series. He scored 20 in Game Three, however on a highly ineffective 9-of-20 shooting. In general, he is shooting 35.1% from the field in the series so far. Anthony clearly does not wish to be shown up by his fellow 2003 NBA Draft pick and pal LeBron James, however Anthony is forcing shots from bad angles. He has actually been at his best just recently on the catch-and-shoot from range, and should return to that to discover success.
What theyre saying
Christian Rivas of Silver Screen and Roll spoke about the Lakers gameplan to slow down the Blazers offense:
In the 55.4 partial possessions Lillard has been safeguarded by Caruso, hes shot 41.2% from the field, according to NBA.com. For context, Lillard has shot 63.6% from the field in the 43.1 partial ownerships hes been defended by Caldwell-Pope.
Jusuf Nurkic left numerous points on the rim in Game Three by trying to outguess Anthony Davis when assaulting the hoop. Carmelo Anthony played well in the bubble games, however has massively had a hard time in the Lakers series. Anthony plainly does not want to be revealed up by his fellow 2003 NBA Draft pick and buddy LeBron James, but Anthony is forcing shots from bad angles.
If the Blazers can not stop a James or Anthony Davis drive without fouling, there is not much hope left.
