The Golden State Warriors lost to the Portland Trail Blazers 139-119 Friday night. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 35 points. Jonathan Kuminga added 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. The loss came in a back-to-back as the Warriors defeated Denver Thursday night.
When Stephen Curry made his infamous "night-night" gesture Thursday night against the Denver Nuggets he might have put his teammates to sleep.
The Warriors lost 139-119 to the Portland Trail Blazers Friday night as the team looked worn out in the second half of a back-to-back. The team of aging veterans could not contain the Trail Blazers who appeared to be more fresh on their home court.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr discounts the fatigue issue and gave credit to Portland for playing so well.
“Tonight was not about (fatigue),” Kerr said to reporters after the game. “It was about Portland and what they’ve built and the length and athleticism and the style of play. They were brilliant.”
Portland was led by Deni Avdija who poured in 26 points. Jerami Grant added 22 points off the bench. The Warriors were led by Curry who scored 35 points and hit seven 3-point field goals. Jonathan Kuminga chimed in with 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals in the loss.
The Warriors played without Al Horford who is nursing a toe injury, but would not have played as his load management dictates he not play in both halves of a back-to-back.
Golden State also added Quinten Post to the lineup as he replaced Draymond Green at center, while Brandin Podziemski entered the game off the bench. Kerr used an 11-man rotation with the changes in the lineup.
The Trail Blazers were the team to come out shooting flat as they were only 9-of-25 from the floor in the first quarter. However, Portland took over in the second quarter as the Warriors made seven second quarter turnovers and the Blazers hit nine triples.
Curry added 11 points in the third quarter, but it fell short of the 34 points the Trail Blazers put up. Portland tightened up their defense and ran the floor in transition very well.
“They’re talented,” Curry said. “But if you give them easy buckets, then they just keep applying pressure.”
The Warriors came out in the fourth quarter and proceeded to allow the Trail Blazers to go on a 12-5 run which enhanced the Portland lead to 19. After the run, Kerr replaced his starters on the floor and emptied his bench.
Golden State, who drops to 2-1 on the season, will face the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night at the Chase Center.