Key Takeaways:
- Ja Morant and Deni Avdija each scored 23 points as Portland defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 136-129
- Damian Lillard added 21 points, including a crucial late 3-pointer, extending Portland’s unbeaten start to 3-0
- Luka Doncic posted 41 points for the Lakers, who suffered their first defeat of the season
Match Analysis
The Portland Trail Blazers continued their flawless opening to the season by overcoming the Los Angeles Lakers 136-129 at Crypto.com Arena. Despite Luka Doncic’s outstanding 41-point display and nine assists for the home side, Portland withstood several runs to emerge victorious and extend their record to 3-0 under head coach Micah Nori.
Ja Morant and Deni Avdija set the tone for the visitors with 23 points apiece, while Jrue Holiday contributed 22 points to bolster the attack. Damian Lillard notched 21 points and was instrumental in the final minute, sinking a decisive three-pointer with only 43 seconds remaining to solidify the win.
NEVER IN DOUBT https://t.co/JtykIdUkfL
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 28, 2026
Key Moments and Player Performance
Portland established an eight-point cushion early in the fourth quarter before Doncic, returning from the bench, spearheaded a Lakers revival. In the closing minutes, Lillard and Avdija made consecutive shots beyond the arc, answered in kind by Doncic and Ziaire Williams, keeping the contest tightly balanced.
Morant delivered back-to-back midrange scores to restore a five-point edge for the Blazers. Lillard, despite missing four free throws – a rare off night for the seasoned guard – confidently secured the result with his fourth triple of the evening.
Doncic, coming off a 52-point effort at Utah the previous weekend, sank six three-pointers against Portland and demonstrated strong commitment on defence. However, the Blazers’ balanced offence and clutch execution proved decisive.
Austin Reaves was Los Angeles’ second-leading scorer with 26 points, while Sandro Mamukelashvili added 17 points and provided early momentum with a 13-point haul in the first half, finishing with a three-pointer at the half-time buzzer.
Statistical Overview
| Player | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Ja Morant | Trail Blazers | 23 |
| Deni Avdija | Trail Blazers | 23 |
| Damian Lillard | Trail Blazers | 21 |
| Jrue Holiday | Trail Blazers | 22 |
| Luka Doncic | Lakers | 41 |
| Austin Reaves | Lakers | 26 |
| Sandro Mamukelashvili | Lakers | 17 |
Looking Ahead
The Trail Blazers will return home to host Memphis on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Lakers are set to face the Clippers on Wednesday as they look to rebound from their opening loss of the campaign.
