Portland Trail Blazers: Three takeaways from devastating Game 4 loss

The Portland Trail Blazers’ Playoff woes continued in a Game 4 loss. Here are three takeaways from the 135-115 loss to Los Angeles that gave the Lakers a 3-1 series lead.

No. 1: Lakers’ Weakness Prove Unproblematic

Following Game One of this series, many of the Lakers’ season-long weaknesses were highlighted, as they failed to hit outside shots while letting Portland’s guards have an offensive field day.

By now, however, it’s clear Los Angeles’ flaws are not as detrimental as they initially seemed. Increased defensive intensity from the Lakers, as well as an improved shot percentage have been key factors in their three victories in this series.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Danny Green have stepped up beyond the arc following poor outings in Game One, opening the floor for Los Angeles’ oversized front court. The result has been three consecutive blowouts.

There is a strong argument that Los Angeles is far from the league’s best overall team, clearly sporting a hodge-podged “win now” roster. However, with respectable enough shooters keeping the defense on edge, superstars Anthony Davis and LeBron James are given plenty of space to dominate the paint.

No. 2: Damian Lillard Double Team Continues to Gives Portland Problems

Since Damian Lillard added deep range to his game, opponents have struggled to create successful defensive schemes, given his ability to shoot from essentially any spot within half court.

Following his 34-point Game One outing, Los Angeles seemed to increase pressure on Lillard, meeting him way beyond half court and often double teaming him as soon as he stepped within 40 feet of the basket.

While Lillard’s veteran prowess has broken several traps throughout the series, the Portland Trail Blazers have failed to take advantage of the open man. Even when Lillard was able to quickly dish the ball away, Los Angeles’ speed and length provided little time for Portland to operate the three-on-four, often resulting in missed contested jumpers.

The double team is almost always incorporated more heavily in the postseason, something the Portland Trail Blazers experienced while being swept against an Anthony Davis led Pelicans back in 2018.

Unfortunately, Portland has appeared unable to learn from previous mistakes, forcing turnovers and allowing Los Angeles to dictate the game’s rhythm. Depending on Lillard’s status for Game Five, the Lakers may not be forced to implement the double team, only furthering Portland’s issues on the offensive end. Even if Lillard is able to play, the Lakers have shown they can rise to the defensive challenge.

No. 3: Jusuf Nurkić Bounces Back

As exciting as reaching the postseason was, the Portland Trail Blazers and their playoff run has not gone as planned following Game One. Between Zach Collins’ season ending injury, and Damian Lillard’s uncertain status, a deep 2020 run does not seem likely.

Still, Portland’s play in Orlando certainly had value, highlighting what a healthy Blazer roster can do in this league. Gary Trent Jr. and Damian Lillard may have received the most national coverage, but it is the return of Jusuf Nurkić that completely changed Portland’s offensive identity.

Despite the loss, Nurkić once again proved this in Game Four, earning 20 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists. After a poor performance in Game Three, he came out strong, finding a way to out rebound the onslaught of Laker big men.

His combined size and finesse create a unique problem for defenses in the modern era, with few players equipped to handle a Seven-Foot Swiss Army Man. With Lillard questionable for Game Five, it will be interesting to see if and how Nurkić takes on more offensive responsibility.

Beyond this series, the 26-year-old continues to improve and showcase the kind of talent franchise starters are made of. By the time Nurkić suffered his season ending injury in early 2019, he was quickly rising the ranks of the game’s best big men.

Moving forward, there is a strong argument that Nurkić enters the 2020-2021 season as a top five center in the league. Despite his impressive performance doing nothing to save Portland’s disastrous night, it provides hope that the Bosnian Beast’s best is yet to come.