The LA Lakers advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after last night’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The finals result of Game 5 was 131-122 for the LAL, who defeated the Blazers with 4-1.
Portland, who was without Damian Lillard, gave its best to make a surprise, but couldn’t stop the Lakers in the last few minutes. After being behind just two points, 112-114, with 4:53 to go, the Blazers allowed 11 straight points and the purple and gold separated to a safe distance. They would routinely keep that advantage until the end.
Frank Vogel’s side already had one similar run, during the middle of the third period. With 3:27 into the same, the result was 77-76 for the Lakers, who would then go on a 13-0 burst. It was expected to be the turning point of the game, but the stubborn Portland came back.
LeBron James had a triple-double, with 36 points and 10 boards, and assists each. LBJ was shooting 14-for-19 from the field, hitting four threes.
Even though the four-time MVP posted a superb performance, all eyes were on Anthony Davis, who dropped 43 buckets, 14-for-18, with nine rebounds and four assists. AD was 11-for-13 from the free-throw line.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also had four downtown hits, but he scored 14 points in total, and Dwight Howard added 11 off the bench.
The Trail Blazers played well, having in mind that they didn’t have Lillard, Collins, Nassir Little, and Wenyen Gabriel. Dame’s absence was probably the most impactful one, because he posted 37.6 points and 9.6 assists since the restart of the activities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JY4KV7Uv2E
CJ McCollum tried to replace his teammate, delivering 36 points with 7 assists and 6 boards in 46 minutes. He was shooting 13-for-25 from the field, delivering a lot of problems for the LAL defense. Carmelo Anthony had an excellent game, with 27 points, 9-for-16 with seven dimes. while Jusuf Nurkic and Gary Trent Jr. both had 16 points each. Nurk was fantastic with 10 rebounds, six assists, and five steals.
Anfernee Simmons added 13 and five boards off the bench. Portland was 13-for-27 for three points, and had 12 steals.
The Lakers are now awaiting the better from the matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The current result there is 3-2 for the Rockets, meaning that they have some time to rest and recover following this series.
As for the Blazers, they finish this campaign and will leave the bubble soon.
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