THE Portland Path Blazers have overwhelmed high quality groups this season.
In actual fact, they nearly obtained a win in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks at house on December 1st.
However enjoying in Dallas has been an issue in recent times. That development continued Monday evening with a 132-108 loss on the American Airways Heart.
The Blazers misplaced 12 of 14 to the Mavericks. Portland final gained in Dallas on February 14, 2021, by a rating of 121-118.
Final season’s two losses in Dallas ended by a complete of 65 factors. Monday evening’s loss matches into that class of embarrassment.
The evening began decently. The Blazers’ offense saved them within the recreation within the first half, however they’d no reply to the Mavericks’ offense. Dallas shot 55.8% from the sector, with 5 gamers scoring in double figures, and led 62-53 at halftime.
“I believed we had a fairly good first half, to be trustworthy with you,” Jackets coach Chauncey Billups informed reporters. “We did a superb job on the glass. I believed our offensive rebounding was excessive stage. We did not actually make any photographs, however we obtained the kind of photographs we needed.
The sport obtained ugly within the third quarter. The Mavericks outscored Portland 40-23 to enter Sport 4 with a 102-76 lead.
Portland dedicated 9 turnovers within the third quarter, negating a powerful taking pictures effort (47.6%). The Mavericks shot 56 p.c and scored 13 factors off Blazers turnovers.
“You actually must make photographs in opposition to a staff like this to remain within the recreation,” Billups mentioned.
Portland Path Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) battles in opposition to Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) throughout the first half of an NBA basketball recreation, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)P.A.
That is precisely what the Blazers did of their 137-131 house loss to Dallas earlier this month. Portland shot 58.3% from the sector and 58.1% from lengthy vary.
On Monday evening, Portland shot a strong 46.2 p.c from the sector, however hit simply 8 of 29 from three-point vary (27.6 p.c) and dedicated 19 turnovers.
Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 19 factors coming off the bench. Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe mixed for 26 factors on 12-of-33 taking pictures. Grant solely scored three factors.
Deandre Ayton might need been one of the best Blazers participant on the court docket. He scored 16 factors on 8-of-11 taking pictures and pulled down 9 rebounds in simply over 25 minutes.
“I believed DA was actually good on this match,” Billups mentioned. “His power was unbelievable.”
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 27 factors and 7 assists, however went 1 of seven from three. Daniel Gafford added 23 factors. Kyrie Irving scored 20.
WHAT THIS MEANS
The Blazers (9-20) misplaced their sixth straight recreation to Dallas (19-10) and have now misplaced eight of their final 9 video games.
FOLLOWING
The Blazers host the Utah Jazz at 7 p.m. Thursday. The Jazz (7-21) gained 141-99 on the Blazers on December 6.
–Aaron Fentress | [email protected] | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Fb)
