The Los Angeles Lakers have finally conquered the Portland Trail Blazers after falling to them for 16 consecutive games. The Lakers snapped the losing skid on Saturday night as they snatched a 114-110 win on the road to improve their record to 4-5.
The Lakers beat the Blazers for the first time in 1,706 days!
Tonight's win snaps their 16-game losing streak to Portland. pic.twitter.com/tdvfSS92zH
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 4, 2018
Los Angeles last defeated Portland in a close 107-106 win back on March 3, 2014. It took them 1,706 days to finally snag another one against them.
But forget about the streak, the Lakers needed this win badly. They have constantly been losing close calls throughout the season, and Saturday proved that they can get the job the done.
The Lakers appeared to be in cruise control in the second half as they went on a 16-0 run in the third quarter to take a 15-point lead heading into the fourth. A Josh Hart 3-pointer with a little less than 10 minutes remaining ballooned the lead to as much as 20.
But the Blazers wouldn't go down without a fight as they came storming back, thanks to 30 points apiece from their backcourt tandem of Damian Lillard and CJ. McCollum. Portland went on a 22-6 and came within six with over three minutes remaining.
However, the Lakers proved to be tough in the end game, as they were eventually able to stave off the Blazers' efforts to come back and snatch the victory.
As usual, LeBron James led the way for Los Angeles with 29 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. But it was the bench unit that was key to the team's victory as they were the ones responsible for their second-half surge. Rajon Rondo tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals to lead the second unit, which scored 51 of the Lakers' 114 points.
The Lakers look to carry this momentum on to their next one as they host the Toronto Raptors Sunday night at Staples Center.
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