Led by ten points after eight minutes of play, Stephen Curry’s teammates raised their voices to dominate the rest of the game. The Warriors distributed 36 assists, including 14 for their star. On the Portland side, with the exception of the Simmons – Hart – Winslow trio, it was nothing.
Despite a near-perfect start to the game from Anfernee Simmons, Josh Hart, and the Blazers, the Warriors finished the first quarter 12-3 thanks to skillful Klay Thompson and a zone defense that broke the rhythm of Portland (32-31). Without Jusuf Nurkic in the key, the Dubs punish the Blazers in the circle and cause many fouls. Stephen Curry is mounting pressure, Jonathan Kuminga and Jordan Poole are aggressive, and Golden State inflicts a 26-6 on their opponent to take a twenty-length lead (62-42). It takes the start of the Simmons – Winslow duo to limit the damage (70-57).
The Warriors confirm their momentum after returning from the locker room. With Stephen Curry in charge, it was Andrew Wiggins who showed his advantage as Golden State’s defense limited the Blazers to 5 of 17 on shots in the third quarter. While seven Warriors already have ten points or more, the gap climbs beyond 30 units and Golden State ends up coasting to find the way to victory.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Blazers come down to earth. Winners of their last four games before the All Star Game, the Blazers continued their momentum to start the game. Behind an Anfernee Simmons at 5 out of 5 on shots, an insolent collective address, and several defensive possessions started in all-terrain press, they quickly took a ten length lead… before taking on water. If the five majors were able to pull out of the game, the replacements for Chauncey Billups were dominated by their opponents. The Warriors have indeed won the battle from the bench 66 to 38. This game could well become a symbol of the end of the season for the Blazers.
– The Warriors press where it hurts. In the absence of Jusuf Nurkic, out for a month, Golden State attacked the heart of Portland’s defense relentlessly. With the Blazers focused on Stephen Curry, the two-time MVP dished out caviar after caviar on pick & roll and in the rhythm of the attack. The Dubs finished with 56 points in the key. Like Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors also spent their time at the free-throw line, especially in the first half, where they benefited from 24 of their 32 attempts.
– Anfernee Simmons receives preferential treatment. The Blazers’ number one weapon for several weeks, Anfernee Simmons has received all the attention of the Warriors defense. Steve Kerr has indeed opted several times for a box on the leader of the Blazers to force his teammates to make the difference. If Anfernee Simmons impressed again, Golden State’s gamble worked wonders. The other Blazers indeed ended the meeting with 37% success on shots.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Stephen Curry. The All Star Game MVP controlled the game and dissected the Blazers defense, finishing with 18 points, 14 assists, and 5 rebounds.
✅ Clay Thompson. The “Splash Brother” also scored 18 points, with a 4 of 7 from 3-pointers.
✅ Jonathan Kuminga-Jordan Poole. Both players were instrumental off the bench, allowing the Warriors to take off as soon as they entered. The rookie posed big problems for the Blazers, scoring 10 of his 18 points from the free throw line. Poole scored 15 points while distributing 6 assists.
✅ Anfernee Simmons. The point guard was the only Blazer to swim, finishing the game with 24 points at 50% success.
⛔ Ben McLemore. The most experienced player on the bench of the Blazers, Ben McLemore remained silent during his 17 minutes on the ground, missing his 6 shot attempts. He also struggled on the other side of the field to hold Golden State players’ drives.
THE FOLLOWING
Golden State (43-17): the Warriors return to Chase Center to face Luka Doncic and the Mavs.
Portland (25-35): the Blazers continue at home against Denver on Sunday.
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