For the second consecutive time during these playoffs, the Warriors went on the road without Stephen Curry and really, really missed him.
They also forgot their defense over the final three quarters Saturday night, resulting in a 120-108 loss to the Trail Blazers at Moda Center in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
The Warriors now hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Forward Draymond Green did his best to provide the long-range shooting typically delivered by Curry. Green finished with career-playoff-high 37 points, including a career-best 8-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc.
Klay Thompson was one of two other Warriors to score in double figures, pouring in 35 points – 18 in the first quarter. Leandro Barbosa added 10 points.
The Warriors held a 28-22 lead after one quarter but were outscored 98-80 over the final three.
Ian Clark, forced into action largely due to Curry’s absence, played 16 minutes and was minus-22 during that time.
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Portland scorched the Warriors with 3-point shooting, draining 17 of 30. Oakland native Damian Lillard totaled a game-high 40 points (also a career playoff high) for the Trail Blazers, with Al-Farouq Aminu putting in 23 points and CJ McCollum 22.
STANDOUT PERFORMER:
Green and Thompson brought it but didn’t have much support from their teammates.
Green’s line: a career-playoff high 37 points (13-of-23 field goals, 8-of-12 from 3-point distance), nine rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one blocked shot. He played 41 minutes, finishing minus-2 for the game
Thompson’s line: 35 points (14-of-28, 5-of-9), zero rebounds and zero assists. He played 38 minutes, finishing minus-3.
TURNING POINT:
After an Ian Clark jumper gave the Warriors a 34-32 lead with 8:08 left in the second quarter, the Blazers responded with an immediate 10-2 to go up 42-36 on a Lillard 3-pointer with 4:42 remaining in the half.
The Blazers extended that run, closing the half on a 26-12 run, taking a 58-46 lead into intermission.
The Warriors in the second half got no closer than seven (63-56, 9:05 remaining in the third quarter).
INJURY UPDATE:
Warriors: G Stephen Curry (R MCL sprain) and F Kevon Looney (L hip surgery) were listed as out and placed on the inactive list.
Trail Blazers: F/C Meyers Leonard (L shoulder surgery) was listed as out and, along with F Cliff Alexander (healthy) placed on the inactive list.
WHAT’S NEXT:
Game 4 is set for Monday night at Moda Center, with tipoff scheduled for 7:35.
