Posted on November 24, 2018, by Travis Pulver
It has not been a smooth start to the season for the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors. They got off to a good start, 10-1. But then they lost Steph Curry to an injury and then there was the drama involving Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.
With a 123-95 loss at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday night, they had their first four-game losing streak in the Steve Kerr Era. Could the Portland Trail Blazers turn it into a five-game losing streak?
Via @NBCSWarriors
After getting destroyed by the Milwaukee Bucks, 143-100, Wednesday night, the Trail Blazers hoped to get back on the right side of the scoreboard against the Warriors. At first, it looked like they might have a shot. At the end of the first, Portland held a 27-24 lead.
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But then the Warriors did what they often do. They went on a 22-5 run in the second to take charge of the game. When the first half came to an end, Golden State held a commanding 59-44 lead.
Portland got within 12 early in the third but never really threatened. By the time the final period rolled around, they were down by 19 points, 92-73. The fourth quarter wasn’t much different as the Warriors went on to win, 125-97.
After the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr sounded pleased with what he saw from his team:
“We just looked like ourselves. The activity level on both ends. You tend to block more shots when you’re actually helping and rotating and flying around to the ball. And you make more steals, we had 11 of those, so it was just a really good night.
“And Portland’s been on a tough schedule too coming back from Milwaukee on a long trip. Those are never easy games to play, so I thought we had the edge energy-wise, and we were obviously a little hungry after four straight losses.”
Kevin Durant led the way for the Warriors with 32 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Klay Thompson had a stellar game as well with 31 points and seven rebounds. As a team, the Warriors were 48-85 from the floor and 17-32 from behind the arc.
Golden State was without Steph Curry again who is recovering from a groin injury. Draymond Green sat out the game as well with a toe injury. Curry was in a car accident Friday morning but was not hurt.
Portland’s season has been a lot like Golden State’s. They got off to a strong start winning ten of their first 13. But with the loss to the Warriors, they have now lost four of their last six.
The Trail Blazers will have Saturday off but will face a tough challenge Sunday night. To get back on the right side of the scoreboard, they will have to take down the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers are currently one of three teams tied for first in the Western Conference.
Golden State will try to keep their momentum going when they take on the Sacramento Kings Saturday night.