Back in August 2018, the NBA gave Blazers fans two games to circle on the calendar: opening night against the Los Angeles Lakers and a Christmas Day trip to face the Utah Jazz. The Lakers game would be especially interesting because it would mark LeBron James’ regular-season debut in purple and gold.
Here’s Torey’s original reaction to those two matchups when the schedule was announced.
Yo, it’s Torey! I’m just giving my thoughts on these big matchups!
Why the 2018-19 Schedule Was Such a Big Deal
Portland was coming off a 49-win season and a first-place finish in the Northwest Division in 2017-18, but the playoffs had ended with an ugly first-round sweep at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans. There was plenty to prove when the next season rolled around.
And then there was LeBron. He had just left Cleveland to join the Lakers, and his first regular-season game with Los Angeles would be October 18, 2018, at the Moda Center. Not exactly a quiet way to start the season.
The Christmas game mattered, too. The Blazers hadn’t played on Christmas Day since 2010, and Utah hadn’t appeared on the holiday schedule since 1997. For both teams, it was a rare opportunity to play on one of the NBA’s biggest stages.
What Happened on Opening Night Against the Lakers?
Portland beat Los Angeles 128-119 on October 18, 2018. LeBron finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in his Lakers debut, but the Blazers spoiled the occasion. It was also an emotional night in Portland, coming just days after the death of longtime team owner Paul Allen.
The win extended Portland’s home-opening winning streak and its winning streak against the Lakers. You can revisit the game in the Trail Blazers’ original game recap.
And Christmas Day Against the Jazz?
That one wasn’t nearly as much fun for Portland fans. Utah beat the Blazers 117-96 on December 25, 2018, with Donovan Mitchell scoring 19 points and Rudy Gobert adding 18 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks. Damian Lillard led Portland with 20 points.
So the holiday return didn’t end with a present under the tree. But there’s a little perspective here: that Blazers team went on to reach the 2019 Western Conference Finals, with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum leading one of Portland’s most memorable playoff runs in years.
For the numbers, see the NBA’s Christmas Day game summary.