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Blazers Overtake 8th Spot with Dominant Win Against the Lakers

By Spencer Gordon

Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) throws down a slam dunk over Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) throws down a slam dunk over Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) throws down a slam dunk over Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) throws down a slam dunk over Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Just like Minnesota last night, the Blazers coasted to another dominant victory and moved into the 8th spot of the Western Conference playoff race.

Despite having the same record (35-38), the Blazers currently own the tiebreaker against the Denver Nuggets. This means that as of Sunday, the Blazers control their own destiny in terms of making the playoffs.

They got to this point after Denver got crushed by the Pelicans earlier in the day. After that game, the Blazers didn’t blink and destroyed the Lakers 97-81. These two games now set up the biggest game of the year this Tuesday at Moda Center. Not only do the Nuggets visit Portland with the same record and tied for eighth, but it will also be Mason Plumlee and Jusuf Nurkic’s first game against their old teams.

Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

In-N-Out with a Dominant Victory

Alright, enough about the future, because there was plenty to celebrate about tonight’s performance. Not only did Portland come in confident and ready to play, they were able to virtually put the game away midway through the third quarter. Damian Lillard led the way with 22 points, but he and the rest of the starters took a well deserved early exit with about 10 minutes left in the game. 

Allen Crabbe and Al-Farouq Aminu put in some solid minutes off the bench. Crabbe was able to score 18 points, including a big second quarter, while Aminu snagged 10 boards for the game. However, the low-key star of the game was Noah Vonleh, who again put in a solid stat line of 8 points and 14 rebounds. The Blazers controlled the boards, which effectively controlled the game, winning that battle 61-42.

Must Read: Noah Vonleh Coming Into His Own

We just highlighted how important Meyers Leonard will be in order to make the playoffs, but Vonleh’s play may be enough to not worry about Leonard. Yes, yes I can hear the exhales now, I’m thankful too.

After two blowout victories, it’s time for Portland to focus on their big game against Denver this Tuesday. Biggest game of the year Rip City, who’s ready?

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