The Portland Trail Blazers pulled off a gritty 127-123 road win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night at Chase Center, snapping a four-game losing streak on the road against their Pacific Division rivals. It wasn’t just the score that stunned — it was how they did it. With Stephen Curry dropping 38 points and draining nine three-pointers, the Warriors looked unstoppable. But Portland answered with balance, grit, and a breakout performance from Deni Avdija, who posted a career-high 14 assists along with 26 points and six rebounds. The win improved the Trail Blazers to 7-9 overall and 2-1 in the Emirates NBA CupChase Center, while Golden State fell to 9-9 and extended their skid to three straight losses.
From Down 11 to Dominating the Fourth
The Warriors came out firing. After trailing 35-28 in the first quarter, they exploded for 44 points in the second, led by Curry’s five three-pointers and a perfect 6-for-6 shooting night in the half. At halftime, Golden State held a 72-65 lead. The crowd at Chase Center, still buzzing from the 50th anniversary celebration of their 1975 championship team — with legends like Rick Barry in attendance — thought they were in for another classic. But the tide turned in the third. Portland outscored Golden State 29-25, and by the time the fourth quarter began, the Blazers were within striking distance at 97-97.Then came the defining stretch. With 4:08 left and Portland ahead 115-111, Jordan Butler battled for a rebound and was called for an offensive foul. Warriors coach Steve Kerr challenged, hoping to swing momentum. The call stood. Golden State never recovered. On the next possession, Deni Avdija drove and kicked to Caleb Love, who buried a three. Two possessions later, Avdija sank two free throws with 9.8 seconds left to seal it. The Warriors’ final shot — a contested three from Brandin Podziemski — clanged off the rim.
Avdija’s Night, Clingan’s Fight
While Curry’s 38-point masterpiece was vintage, it was Avdija’s all-around brilliance that changed the game. His 14 assists were the most by a Trail Blazer since Damian Lillard’s 18-assist game in 2022. He didn’t just distribute — he controlled tempo, hit floaters in traffic, and made the right pass when Golden State collapsed on Portland’s big men. "He wasn’t just running the offense," said one assistant coach afterward. "He was reading the defense like a chess master."And then there was Donovan Clingan. The 2024 second-round pick, often sidelined by injuries, turned heads with a career-high 22 points and 10 rebounds — five of them offensive. He played through what looked like a twisted ankle in the third quarter, forcing Portland to call a timeout. He returned with 7:12 left in the fourth and scored four straight points, including a putback that sparked a 7-0 run. "He’s not supposed to be this good this fast," said Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups postgame. "But he’s got that old-school toughness. He doesn’t care who’s guarding him."
Love, too, had a night to remember. The 22-year-old guard scored 26 points — a career-high — and dished out seven assists. "He’s been a volume shooter," noted Blazers Uprise in their YouTube recap. "Tonight, he looked like a playmaker. That’s the scary part."
Rebounds, Rhythm, and the Rise of the Bigs
Portland’s 21 offensive rebounds were the key stat nobody saw coming. Golden State, known for its perimeter focus, got caught flat-footed. Clingan, Toumani Camara (20 points, six rebounds), and even Jordan Butler (20 points) crashed the glass like they were playing in a college gym. "They were just... relentless," said Warriors center Draymond Green. "We didn’t box out. We didn’t care. And that’s on us."The Blazers shot 48% from the field and 36% from three — not elite numbers, but efficient enough when paired with second-chance points. They outscored Golden State 28-12 off offensive rebounds. "When you’ve got a guy like Clingan in the paint," said Avdija, "you don’t have to force it. You just kick it out, and if it doesn’t go, you know you’ve got another shot."
What’s Next? A Crossroads for Both Teams
Portland heads to Oklahoma City on Sunday to face the Thunder — a team they’ve beaten twice in the last three meetings. A win there could push them into the top half of the Western Conference. For the Warriors, the losses are piling up. They’ve now dropped three straight, including two at home. Their defense, once the league’s best, looks disjointed. Curry is carrying the load, but the supporting cast — Podziemski (20 points), Green (11 points, eight rebounds) — aren’t stepping up consistently."We’re not out of it," said Kerr. "But we’re not fooling ourselves. We need more than Steph. We need everyone."
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers are quietly building something. They’ve got young talent playing with confidence. Avdija is emerging as a true floor general. Clingan is proving he belongs. And Love? He’s no longer just a shooter — he’s becoming a weapon.
Behind the Numbers
- Deni Avdija: 26 PTS, 14 AST (career-high), 6 REB, 12/13 FT
- Donovan Clingan: 22 PTS, 10 REB (career-high), 5 OFR
- Caleb Love: 26 PTS, 7 AST (career-high scoring night)
- Stephen Curry: 38 PTS, 9 3PM (14/23 FG, 9/17 3PT)
- Portland: 48% FG, 36% 3PT, 21 offensive rebounds
- Golden State: 45% FG, 39% 3PT, 8 offensive rebounds
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is this win for the Trail Blazers’ playoff chances?
This win is critical. Portland was 1-4 on the road this season and hadn’t beaten Golden State away since January 2021. With a 7-9 record, they’re clinging to the 9th spot in the West. A win in Oklahoma City on Sunday could push them into the play-in conversation. Their 21 offensive rebounds against the Warriors show they’ve found a new identity — one built on toughness, not just shooting.
Why did Stephen Curry’s 38 points still result in a loss?
Because the Warriors’ supporting cast didn’t step up. Curry scored 38 on 14-of-23 shooting, but no other Warrior scored more than 20. Draymond Green had just 11 points, and Jordan Poole didn’t play. Meanwhile, Portland had five players in double figures. Curry can’t carry a team alone, especially when they’re giving up 21 offensive rebounds and letting Avdija control the pace. Efficiency doesn’t matter if your teammates aren’t helping.
What does Donovan Clingan’s performance mean for Portland’s future?
It’s a revelation. Clingan was a second-round pick many thought would be a bench player. But with 22 points and 10 rebounds — including five offensive boards — he’s shown he can anchor the offense as a dump-off target. His ability to finish around the rim and draw fouls gives Portland a new dimension. If he stays healthy, he could be the missing piece that turns Portland from a lottery team into a playoff contender by next season.
How did Deni Avdija transform into a playmaker overnight?
He didn’t transform overnight — he’s been developing this for two seasons. Avdija averaged just 4.2 assists per game last year. This season, under Chauncey Billups’ system, he’s been encouraged to read defenses and make quicker decisions. His 14-assist night was his first career double-digit assist game. It’s not luck — it’s coaching, confidence, and chemistry with Clingan and Love. He’s now Portland’s most reliable passer, and that’s a huge shift.
What’s the impact of the Warriors’ three-game losing streak?
It’s a red flag. Golden State was 9-5 just two weeks ago and considered a top-four seed. Now they’re 9-9 and sitting at 8th in the West — barely holding on. Their defense has slipped from 3rd to 15th in points allowed per 100 possessions. Curry is carrying the offense, but the team lacks depth. With Draymond Green aging and Klay Thompson still finding rhythm, the Warriors need a spark — or they risk missing the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
Is the Emirates NBA Cup still meaningful for these teams?
For Portland, yes. A strong Cup run could boost morale and give them momentum heading into the stretch run. They’re 2-1 and still in contention for the group title. For Golden State, it’s more about pride. They’ve been inconsistent, and the Cup hasn’t helped them find rhythm. With the real season looming, they’re treating it as a tune-up — but losses like this one, especially at home, hurt more than just standings.