Is the secret to NBA success truly about having star players, or can a team built on depth and relentless focus actually dominate? After the Portland Trail Blazers' resounding 132-116 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, head coach Tiago Splitter seems to be leaning heavily towards the latter. But here's where it gets controversial... Is he right, or did the Lakers' missing key players hand the Blazers an easy win?
Following the game at the Moda Center, Splitter was quick to praise his team's mindset. He described the game as a potential "trap," emphasizing the need for urgency, focus, and aggression right from the tip-off. He wanted them ready to go, and ready to be aggressive from the start.
Splitter specifically addressed the Blazers' aggressive drives to the basket, clarifying that it wasn't about hunting for fouls. "We knew they were missing their bigs, so we tried to be aggressive and drive. Not like trying to get fouls, just be aggressive at the rim." This is a key distinction – aggression aimed at scoring, not drawing penalties. Think of it like a running back hitting the hole hard, rather than trying to draw a holding call.
He also touched upon the gradual return of key players from injury, noting that the team is slowly getting closer to his full vision. "Slowly we start to see that picture again…Jrue still getting in shape, Jeremy still not there, and Deni still out, but we are getting closer." This process of reintegration is critical for any team aiming for sustained success.
Shaedon Sharpe, in particular, earned high praise from Splitter for his all-around performance. "He shot well from three…he’s giving us more effort on defense as well, getting a couple stops, couple steals, gambles…slowly he’s getting there where we want." Sharpe's ability to contribute on both ends of the floor is exactly what coaches dream of.
But Splitter didn’t stop there. He also highlighted Sidy Cissoko's defensive intensity. "Sidy got six deflections, got into their team, and was physical, tried to take a charge on LeBron James. That’s not an easy task, but he tried. Those are the winning plays you need." Attempting to take a charge from LeBron? That's a bold move, and it speaks volumes about Cissoko's commitment. And this is the part most people miss... It's not always about making the play, but attempting it that sends a message to the whole team.
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from Splitter's post-game remarks was his emphasis on the Blazers' depth. "You see Caleb Love scoring 22, Jerami Grant from the bench…that gives you a certain comfort. You can sub your starters and bring the bench, and they’re going to score, get stops…gives me confidence in those subs." A strong bench can be the difference between a good team and a great team.
The numbers back up Splitter's claims. Portland led by 14 at halftime and ultimately extended their lead to 24 points in the fourth quarter. Sharpe led all scorers with 25 points, while Grant and Love each chipped in with 22.
On the other side, the Lakers struggled, especially with Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton sidelined. Marcus Smart also left the game in the fourth quarter but not before scoring 25 points. Drew Timme provided a spark off the bench with 21 points, and LeBron James contributed 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
With the win, Portland improved to 20-22, having won seven of their last nine games. The Lakers, on the other hand, fell to 24-15. The Trail Blazers now face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, while the Lakers return home to host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
So, is Portland's depth and focus a sustainable formula for success, or will they need more star power to compete with the NBA's elite? And what about the Lakers? Can they bounce back from this loss and maintain their position in the standings? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think Splitter's emphasis on 'depth' is just coach-speak, or a genuine strategy for building a winning team? What adjustments should the Lakers make to compensate for their injured players?
