OAKLAND — After playing exceptional basketball over the final four weeks of the season, the Warriors entered the postseason Sunday afternoon looking very much like a team gone four days without a game.
They overcame early sloppiness with a fourth-quarter rally that carried them to a 121-109 victory over Portland before a sellout crowd (19,596) at Oracle Arena.
The Game 1 win gives the Warriors a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round Western Conference playoff series.
Five Warriors scored in double figures, led by Kevin Durant pouring in 32 points and Stephen Curry putting in 29. Draymond Green finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, while Klay Thompson dropped in 15 points and Ian Clark added career playoff-high 12 off the bench.
The Warriors surrendered 19 points off 16 turnovers, but offset that with a 45-38 rebounding advantage, while shooting 53.8 percent to Portland’s 43.0 percent.
CJ McCollum led Portland with 41 points, while Damian Lillard put in 30.
STANDOUT PERFORMER
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As productive as Curry and Durant were on offense, Green was spectacular at both ends. A solid contributor on offense, his defensive energy stood out, particularly in the fourth quarter.
Green’s line: 19 points (6-of-9 shooting from the field, including 3-of-3 beyond the arc, 2-of-5 from the line), 12 rebounds, nine assists, five blocks and three steals. He played 37 minutes and finished a team-high plus-15.
TURNING POINT
With the score tied 88-88 after three quarters, the Warriors opened the fourth with a 9-2 run, going up 97-90 with 8:58 remaining and prompting the Blazers to call a timeout.
The Warriors poured in six more points, extending the rally to 15-2 before it was snapped by a 3-pointer by McCollum with 6:36 remaining.
In a game that featured 22 lead changes and 15 ties through three quarters, Portland never really threatened over the final six minutes.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: F Matt Barnes (R ankle/foot sprain) and F Kevon Looney (L hip strain) were listed as out.
Blazers: G Allen Crabbe (L foot soreness) was listed as probable and upgraded to available. C Jusuf Nurkic (R leg fracture) was listed as questionable and declared out prior to tipoff. G Tim Quarterman (concussion) was listed as questionable. C/F Ed Davis (L shoulder surgery) and C Festus Ezeli (L knee surgery) were listed as out.
WHAT’S NEXT
The teams are set to meet Wednesday night for Game 2 at Oracle Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.
