Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell says the change in the second half of the game on Sunday was that the Portland Trail Blazers got going on the offensive end. Portland defeated the Lakers in a game which didn't feature much scoring at 97-81. Both teams are known for their scoring abilities rather than defensive ones.
After a tight first half, which saw Portland leading L.A. 40-32, the Trail Blazers caught fire in the third quarter. Portland, who scored 40 points in the opening half, managed to score 37 points in the third quarter. ''I felt like both teams were playing good defense, you know, and then they started making shots,'' Russell told reporters post-game.
'We had our chances'
The Los Angeles Lakers didn't have much success while attacking the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Lakers, who score 104.6 points per game on the season according to ESPN, ended the game with just 81 points against Portland. The L.A. team shot 39.3 percent from the field, converting 33-of-84 of their field goal attempts. D'Angelo Russell feels that his team had its chances to score -- but failed to do so. ''I felt like everybody was in position to score and make plays on the offensive end -- we just didn't take advantage of it,'' Russell said.
Time to regroup
Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell led the way for his team when it came to scoring against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 21-year-old scored 22 points on 8-of-19 shooting and had just two assists and a rebound. He wasn't impressed by his performance at Staples Center. ''I guess I made shots -- I didn't really think I did too well either,'' Russell admitted.
Russell remains hopeful that the game against Portland will be left behind them. The Lakers will face next the Washington Wizards on their home floor on Tuesday.
The two teams are set to meet for the second time this season. In their first meeting, Russell scored 17 points to go along with 11 assists and seven rebounds. ''But, we'll get in the gym and bounce back,'' Russell added.
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