Stephen Curry scored 22 points, leading the Golden State Warriors to a 100-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night. Jonathan Kuminga contributed 19 points as the Warriors secured their third consecutive win with a strong finish in the fourth quarter, marking their ninth victory in their last ten games.
Despite already securing a spot in the play-in tournament, the Warriors aim to enhance their playoff seeding in their final two games.
Deandre Ayton led the Trail Blazers with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Scoot Henderson recorded 18 points and 12 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities as a rookie. The Trail Blazers, currently second-to-last in the Western Conference, have struggled recently, winning just two of their last 15 games.
Throughout the game, neither team managed to establish a significant lead, with the score remaining close.
However, the Warriors surged ahead in the fourth quarter, sparked by Curry’s timely shooting. Despite Curry having an off night in terms of shooting accuracy, Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised his ability to deliver crucial baskets when needed the most.
With the win, the Warriors surpassed their win total from the previous season and continue to cruise a highly competitive conference. Despite missing key players like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Gary Payton II due to various injuries, the Warriors have demonstrated resilience and depth throughout the season.
On the other hand, the Trail Blazers have faced challenges with injuries throughout the season, contributing to their struggles in the standings. Despite some early leads, the Blazers couldn’t maintain momentum, falling short against the Warriors’ strong finish in the final period.