The Portland Trail Blazers, fresh off one of their most comprehensive performances of the season, once again played well against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night.
However, the Blazers had no solution for Luka Doncic when the annoying turnover issue reappeared.
In a 137-131 loss at the Moda Center, the Blazers’ season-high 58.1% three-point shooting and a 24-point third-quarter explosion from Anfernee Simons were overshadowed by 21 turnovers.
The Blazers won the last turnover. Shaedon Sharpe dribbled behind his back while driving and had the ball swatted loose, putting Portland trailing 132-129.
With 29.9 seconds left, Dallas center Daniel Gafford made a slam to give the Mavericks a 134-129 lead.
With 24.4 seconds remaining, a Jerami Grant three-pointer was unsuccessful.
Simons remarked, “I think we played well.” At first, we were a touch careless. We weren’t focused on a few coverages. However, we persevered through everything and had a chance to win the game at halfway. You couldn’t ask for more. However, it’s painful to know that you could have performed better in a few of those situations.
Doncic led Dallas with 36 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds despite being sidelined due to a wrist injury.
According to Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, he is a unique player.
Simons was the Blazers’ story for the first three quarters. He had more fouls (four) than points (three) in the first half. That changed in the third quarter, when he scored 24 points and hit 5 of 6 three-pointers.
According to Billups, Ant caught fire throughout that third quarter.
But he also received his fifth foul, and with 8:12 left in the fourth quarter, he fouled out.
Simons finished with five assists and 27 points. Six out of eight threes were made by him. Toumani Camara scored 17 points on 5 of 7 shots. 22 points were scored by Shaedon Sharpe.
On Sunday, December 1, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, guard Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers, on the right, dives for the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of an NBA basketball game. (Photo by Howard Lao/AP) APAP
The Blazers made 18 of 31 long-range attempts (58.1%).
We had a great time today, Billups stated.
Additionally, the Blazers gave up only three points on second chances. However, the Mavericks scored 33 points as a result of those turnovers.
According to Billups, “that’s a huge, huge number against any team, and it doesn’t even have to be a really good team.” It’s difficult to get past that.
The Blazers, who only had 12 turnovers in their victory against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, had 13 of their 25 points on eight turnovers in the first quarter against the Mavericks.
After overcoming such errors, the Blazers led 29–25 after making 5 of 11 three-pointers.
Luke Doncic finished the first half with 20 points and eight assists despite shooting just two of seven shots in the first quarter. He then made all six of his shots in the second quarter.
IMPORTANCE OF IT
Against the Mavericks (13-8), who were without Dereck Lively II, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving, the Blazers (8-13) wasted a chance to win.
Billups stated that despite their lack of players, they still have their finest player, who is surrounded by several shooters. When the game started, we weren’t really focused. In the end, though, we turned it up.
On Sunday, December 1, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, Portland Trail Blazers player Jerami Grant dunks the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks. (Photo by Howard Lao/AP) APAP
INJURIES
Grant scored 14 points, dished out six assists, and pulled down five rebounds after missing two games due to a strained knee. Deni Avdija scored 21 points and pulled down four rebounds off the bench as he made his comeback to the starting lineup.
Due to a bruise in his left quad, guard Scoot Henderson was still sidelined.
UPCOMING
On Tuesday, the Blazers take on the LA Clippers (13-9) at 7:30 p.m.
Latest Blazers news
-
Trail Blazers get back key starter against Mavericks, Kyrie Irving out
-
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks: Game preview, prediction, time, TV channel
-
Trail Blazers return home, elevate play: We just play for each other
-
Trail Blazers defense leads team to victory over Kings
-
Grant, Williams, Henderson out for Blazers vs. Kings: Game preview
Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
