Blazers stay unbeaten with 136-129 win over Lakers

Portland Trail Blazers extended their perfect season record with a 136-129 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. The win marked Portland's third consecutive win and their third straight game without a loss. Los Angeles suffered its first defeat in four games despite a strong effort from its star players.

Ja Morant and Deni Avdija each scored 23 points for the visiting Blazers. Avdija also dished out nine assists, while Morant provided the finishing touches in the closing minutes. Portland's offense was balanced, with Jrue Holiday adding 22 points off the bench and Damian Lillard contributing 21. The team shot 59 percent from the field and made 18 of 36 three-point attempts.

Portland trailed 97-88 late in the third quarter after a three-pointer by Austin Reaves and a basket by Luka Doncic put the Lakers ahead. The Blazers answered with a 14-2 run in the final two minutes of the period. This shift in momentum allowed Portland to enter the fourth quarter leading 103-102. Lillard hit a three-pointer with 9:10 left in the game to give his team a 108-105 lead.

Doncic had a prolific performance for the home team, scoring 41 points and recording nine assists. This followed his 52-point game against the Utah Jazz two days earlier. Reaves added 26 points and seven assists for Los Angeles. The Lakers shot 56.2 percent from the field and made 17 of 43 three-pointers. Despite the shooting efficiency, Los Angeles could not maintain its lead against Portland's balanced attack.

The final two minutes were tight, with the lead changing hands frequently. Avdija hit a three-pointer with 2:59 remaining to give Portland a 128-124 lead. Ziaire Williams cut the deficit to one point with a three-pointer 23 seconds later. Morant then hit a floater to restore a three-point advantage with 2:01 left. Lillard buried a three-pointer with 43.1 seconds remaining to make it 135-129.

Portland closed the game with steady free throws and missed shots from the Lakers. Holiday split two free throws with 18.3 seconds left to secure a seven-point margin. The result leaves Portland at 3-0 and the Lakers at 3-1. The Blazers have now won all three of their season openers, a feat that sets the tone for the rest of the season.