The Lakers Waited 2,670 Days to Compete in the Playoffs Again — But the Blazers go up 1–0 in an Exciting Game 1
The Los Angeles Lakers (№1 seed) vs the Portland Trailblazers (№8 seed) was probably the most anticipated match-up headed into the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs, and for good reasons too. Both teams are stacked with some of the most prominent talent in the league and with some of the biggest names playing tremendous basketball.
Game one showed the Blazers come out on top 100–93, in an ultra competitive 48 minutes. The first game was also able to highlight some notable factors in this series.
— Damian Lillard remains hot from the field and is writing his own narrative as the underdog who plays like a champion. As he went 34/5/5 in usual Lillard fashion with his far from hesitant pull-up three’s from near half court, making Dame time come out when it matters most.
— Anthony Davis and LeBron James will turn it up come playoff time, connecting as that 1–2 punch that keeps the defense on their toes. Davis finished the game with 28 points and 11 rebounds, while James is the first player in NBA playoff history to record 20+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 15+ assists (23/16/17). Also becoming the first Laker player to have 14+ assists in the playoffs since Magic Johnson. This duo is a problem, and will remain a problem, that’s for sure.
— Role players on both sides came out to play and showcased why they are just as big as factors to their team’s success as their superstars. Carmelo Anthony hit big shots down the stretch while grabbing 10 boards. Hassan Whiteside made his defensive presence known with five huge blocks, protecting the paint by any means. And when Kyle Kuzma gets is going, the whole team gets going, as he put up 14 points connecting on shots with high degree of difficulty and spreading the floor with his offensive versatility.
— Lastly, both teams need to make their free throws. There were too many crucial points left at the line, and that cannot happen in a tight game. Especially in the playoffs when every play and every game is pivotal. The Blazers went 25–33 (75.8%), while the Lakers were worse, going 20–31 (64.5%). Davis and James both missed back-to-back free throws in the clutch, digging their own hole as time expired.
Lillard understands though that stealing game one is not enough and that the job is simply not finished.
In another aspect, the level of entertainment this game provided for basketball fans was undeniable and creates curiosity to see just how this best of seven series will unfold.
Game two is on Thursday, as both teams will have time to bring themselves together for the tough series that lays ahead.
