Warriors: PORTLAND, Ore. тАФ In a nail-biting matchup, the Golden State Warriors emerged victorious against the Portland Trail Blazers with a final score of 118-114 on Sunday night. While the game marked the end of Stephen Curry’s historic 3-pointer streak at 268 games, Klay Thompson stole the show with a stellar performance, scoring 28 points.
The game started with anticipation as fans wondered whether Curry would extend his remarkable 3-pointer streak. However, Curry had an uncharacteristic off night, going 0 for 8 from beyond the arc and finishing with just seven points on 2-of-12 shooting. The Warriors, however, showcased their resilience, emphasizing the importance of a team effort.
“We canтАЩt rely on Steph to bail us out on every single night,” commented Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “It was a tough night for him, but thatтАЩs what a team is supposed to be about. Everybody filling in for each other, different guys stepping up each night. ThatтАЩs a great sign because heтАЩs carried us for long enough this year. We need to give him more help.”
Andrew Wiggins, recently moved out of the starting lineup, had a standout game, contributing 25 points and seven rebounds. Thompson praised Wiggins, stating, “He did a little bit of everything. Rebounded, hit 3s, played above the rim. ThatтАЩs the Wigs we love.”
Rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis made his presence felt with 14 points and eight rebounds, playing a crucial role in the Warriors’ back-to-back victories, marking their first consecutive wins since early November.
Despite Curry’s struggles, the Trail Blazers faced a formidable opponent in Thompson, whose 28-point performance showcased his scoring prowess. Thompson’s contribution, coupled with Wiggins’ resurgence, proved pivotal in securing the win for the Warriors.
Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with an impressive 30-point outing, while Anfernee Simons provided a second-half spark, scoring all 21 of his points in that period. The game remained competitive until the final moments, with Portland narrowing the gap to 113-111.
In the closing seconds, Chris Paul, known for his clutch performances, made critical plays to extend the Warriors’ lead. Thompson commended Paul, saying, “Chris Paul, what a gamer he is to hit those shots at the end,” as Paul scored all four of his points in the final 2:26.
The game’s conclusion saw Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe called for an offensive foul with 0.6 seconds left, sealing the victory for Golden State. Portland coach Chauncey Billups explained the decision not to call a timeout in the crucial moments, stating, “Once he [Sharpe] was attacking, I thought let the young fellow figure it out.”
While Curry’s record-breaking streak may have come to an end, the Warriors’ ability to secure a hard-fought victory without relying solely on their star player demonstrates the depth and resilience of the team. As they continue their season, the Warriors will look to build on this collective effort and maintain their winning momentum.
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