The Portland Trail Blazers took the floor on Saturday night determined not to walk easily into their third loss of the month against the Golden State Warriors. For a single quarter, it seemed like their determination would bear fruit. Portland opened up a 7-point lead in the first frame, playing against type by starting strong.
But tonight the part of The First Quarter was played by The Second, as Golden State converted offensive rebounds and a superior second unit into a game-reversing 31-16 period. After halftime, veterans Steph Curry (27 points, 11-18 from the floor) and Klay Thompson (28 points, 11-16 overall, 6-10 from distance) put Portland away, setting them up for a fourth period knockout blow.