“There are a lot of things to be concerned about. First of all, Portland is a tough, tough place to play. We’re playing 10 o’clock at night, our time. They’re playing regular time for them. That’s something to be concerned about.”
Cavaliers coach David Blatt feared this prior to tonight’s game.
The Portland Trail Blazers protected home court Tuesday night by knocking off the Cavaliers, 101-82.
Damian Lillard had his best shooting game of this young season (5-of-10 from 3-point range), leading Portland to the tune of 27 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Robin Lopez contributed 19 points and six rebounds in 29 minutes.
What it means
The first game of a road trip is usually the most important as it sets the tone for the remaining games on the docket. Portland was the biggest fish to fry on this road trip, and the Cavs just couldn’t pull it off.
Cleveland (1-2) looked disinterested after the first quarter. Portland (2-2) was a step quicker and those 50-50 balls seemed to always fall in the hands of the Trail Blazers.
Sputtered down the stretch
Playing in one of the most hostile arenas in the league, the Cavaliers came out firing on target. Cleveland didn’t show any signs of being homesick as it converted on its first 10 field goals.
That was short-lived however due to a combined second- and third-quarter outing of 13-of-43 from the field. That gave the Trail Blazers their biggest lead of 13, and they extended it to 18 in the fourth.
Players of the game
Kevin Love was the most consistent Cavalier, providing 22 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. He had the entire repertoire going. The power forward connected on 5-of-8 from three, which opened up his game.
He was all alone.
LeBron James never imposed his will and his interest seemed nonexistent. He was passive, deferring to Kyrie Irving and Love. He finished the game with 11 points, six rebounds and six assists. Irving was 3-of-17 from the floor.
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