NBA -- Lillard leads charge as Blazers make the climb
By Ryan Gallardo
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 02 Feb 2020
PORTLAND -- The Portland Trail Blazers are navigating through a tough schedule this week where they will be facing four playoffs-bound teams.
After three assignments so far, they are 3-0.
They hosted the Indiana Pacers and the Houston Rockets at home at the Moda Center on Monday and Thursday and then faced the Lakers in Los Angeles yesterday at the Staples Center where an emotional tribute was made for fallen icon Kobe Bryant, who perished in a helicopter crash six days ago along with his 13-year old daughter Gianna and seven other passengers.
After beating the Pacers, 139-128, and the Rockets, 125-112, the Blazers continued their tear with an impressive 127-119 victory over the grieving Lakers.
Lillard, a California native, was especially destructive against the Lakers as he scored 48 points and 10 assists including 23 in the third quarter.
But the victory was bitter-sweet for the perennial All-Star.
"I don't feel like anybody feels like we walked away as a winner given tonight, given the circumstances," he told reporters. "The memories that we'll take away from it was just sad and tough. It's good that we had to compete."
And just like that, Portland, which fell to as low as 16-24 on January 11, has now moved up to 22-27 and are just two games behind the 24-25 Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth playoffs berth in the West,
In all three wins. Lillard has been the catalyst with a combined total of 134 points and 34 assists.
Can he keep the pace?
The Blazers host the Utah Jazz today.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ryan Gallardo.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
MARIO BARRIOS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
Tue, 01 Jul 2025CATTERALL AND EUBANK LAY THEIR 'CARDS ON THE TABLE' AHEAD OF MANCHESTER SHOWDOWN
Tue, 01 Jul 2025Dumadag holds chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 01 Jul 2025Manny Pacquiao's Case for the Greatest of All Time
By Ace Freeman, Mon, 30 Jun 2025DavNor Adventure Race 2025 set July 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Gumila rules Antipolo rapid chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
Mon, 30 Jun 2025Team USA's Quest for Gold Set in Stone at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Mon, 30 Jun 2025SBA SEASON 2 DRAFT UNVEILS RISING STARS AND STRATEGIC MOVES AS TEAMS COMPLETE THEIR ROSTERS
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Filipino Elwin Retanal wins Saudi rapid chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Jake Paul Earns Boxing Legitimacy with Dominant Decision Over Julio Cesar Chávez Jr.
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Zurdo Ramirez Defends Cruiserweight Crowns with Unanimous Decision Over Dorticos
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Vince Paras Faces Sarawut Thawornkham Today at Venue 88 in Gensan
Sun, 29 Jun 2025USA Elite High Performance Team Sets Sights on Gold at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Sun, 29 Jun 2025