The Portland Trail Blazers lost an ugly game to the Boston Celtics on Monday night, with a final score of 102-94. The game seemed over before it began as Boston took a massive lead early. Portland was able to make a couple pushes to make the game closer, but were never able to take the lead or seriously threaten to steal it.
The Blazers were led in scoring by Jerami Grant’s 19 points, 10 of which came from the free throw line. Toumani Camara added 18 points and Jrue Holiday had 14. Only two Blazers shot 50% or better from the field: Robert Williams (3-3) and Sidy Cissoko (1-2).
The Celtics were led by 23 points from Payton Pritchard, including buzzer-beaters to end both the first and second quarters. They also got 20 points from Jaylen Brown and 18 points from Derrick White.
Donovan Clingan finished the game with 9 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks. He made three of his four shots from inside the arc, but attempted five threes and made just one. His rebounding and shot-blocking abilities were on full display and he was very important for Portland’s pushes throughout the game.
Clingan’s effectiveness inside the paint takes a hit in Deni Avdija’s absence, as he doesn’t get quality shots. However, he was still efficient with the attempts he did get.
It’s hard to win games when you lose the first quarter 32-11. A 4-21 shooting performance from the field and 1-12 from deep in the quarter put the Blazers in a massive hole from the get-go. Boston didn’t do anything incredible, 54% from the field and 29% from three, but it was enough to go up huge on Portland.
It marked the second straight game that the Blazers set a season low in first quarter points after logging just 12 points in the first frame against the Toronto Raptors. They also set a new season low for points in a first half with just 37.
Portland just could not get the lid off the basket in this game. They shot just 42% from the field, 26% from deep and 67% from the free throw line. Without any consistency scoring the ball, every run quickly ended as the misses began to pile up.
While the Blazers played good defense throughout the game, Boston was able to win by just making a couple more shots and ride their huge first quarter to survive every push Portland made.
Portland stays on the road to face the Washington Wizards tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. PST.
