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Blazers Hold On To Defeat Lakers On Championship Anniversary Night

By Spencer Gordon

Jan 25, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) looks for a pass around Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) looks for a pass around Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Blazers Honored the 1977 Championship Team with a 105-98 Victory Against the Lakers.

In a closely contested game, the Blazers were able to hold on and secure a much needed victory.

Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum led the way for Portland, scoring 24 points a piece. However, Mason Plumlee was the unsung hero, scoring 19, grabbing 13 rebounds and posting an impressive +24 rating for the Blazers.

It was a historic night in Portland, as the Moda Center honored the 40th anniversary of the 1977 Championship team. Most of the team was able to make an appearance at a nostalgic halftime celebration. Players like Bill Walton, Larry Steele and Lionel Hollins sat at mid-court while legendary announcer Bill Schonely played the role of MC. All the players sat around the championship trophy as Schonley praised each member in attendance. Most notable, the best appreciation went to the families of Maurice Lucas and Dr. Jack Ramsey, two legendary Blazer souls that are no longer with us.

Terry Stotts even honored the late Blazer coach with a signature plaid sports jacket. Stotts had to pull out all the stops to combat the Lakers bench unit that kept LA in the game. Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson led the way with 53 combined bench points. The Blazers had to play without Ed Davis and Maurice Harkless due to injury, and the Lakers were able to take advantage both inside and out.

There were some notable highlights to the game. Despite Al-Farouq Aminu and Meyers Leonard’s lack of offensive contribution, both played well defensively. Pat Connaughton took advantage of some playing time with solid shooting and hustle defense. Plus, Evan Turner played the role of floor general very well, handling the ball more noticeably tonight than ever before.

However, the praise for the game goes to Plumlee. Not only did the undervalued Blue Devil deliver another stat stuffing performance, but his inside scoring was impressive. His touch around the rim has vastly improved from last year. He converted tough and-ones and some crazy acrobatic layups. Credit Stotts with pairing Noah Vonleh with Plumlee down low to start the game, as the young forward shot 66% from the floor on his way to a 8 point, 10 rebound night.

The Blazers we’re able to grind out a victory on a historic night. It didn’t feel like a momentum booster, but the team found a way to get the job done. It’s all we can ask for now right?

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