London Lions given lesson by Portland in historic game for British basketball

Watch the 2026-27 NBA season, live on Sky Sports – starting with the Detroit Pistons hosting the Boston Celtics on Sky Sports Mix from 8pm on Tuesday 20 October, followed by LeBron James competitive debut for the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks

The London Lions became the first British club to face an NBA team but suffered a heavy 119-66 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers in Oregon on Monday.

London never led as Portland dominated throughout, leading for 99 per cent of the contest and stretching their advantage to as many as 57 points at one stage.

The Trail Blazers extended their lead in every quarter, going into the breaks 34-21, 72-33 and 100-49 ahead, having entered the game as 36.5-point favourites.

Portland shot 56 per cent from the field and made 16 of their 34 three-point attempts, while London managed just 30 per cent overall and went 7 of 33 from beyond the arc.

The hosts dominated inside, outscoring the Lions 54-24 in the paint and winning the rebounding battle 51-32.

Source: Sky Sports