OAKLAND – It was only one game, yes, but the Warriors delivered a finishing kick from which it will be tough for Portland to recover.
Completing a comeback from a 17-point deficit – and down 11 entering the fourth quarters – the Warriors posted a 110-99 win over the Trail Blazers Tuesday night that gives them a 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven Western Conference Semifinals.
Five Warriors scored in double figures, with Klay Thompson putting in a game-high 27 points to lead the way. Draymond Green finished with 17, Andre Iguodala with 15, Shaun Livingston with 14 and Harrison Barnes added 13.
Backup center Festus Ezeli was stellar off the bench, with 8 points and six rebounds, providing a huge lift in the second half – precisely when the Warriors were reeling.
Missing shots and unable to slow Portland’s shooters, the Warriors trailed for most of the night, finally digging themselves out with tight fourth-quarter defense, timely shooting and a late advantage from the free throw line.
Damian Lillard scored 25 points to lead the Blazers, and CJ McCollum totaled 22.
STANDOUT PERFORMER:
Sports
Green was the catalyst, Thompson the shooter and Ezeli the energizer.
Green’s line: 17 points (7-of-20 shooting, 0-of-5 beyond the arc), a game-high 14 rebounds, seven assists, four blocked shots and a steal. He played 41 minutes and finished plus-19 for the night.
Thompson’s line: 27 points (7-of-20, 5-of-14), three assists and three rebounds. He played 40 minutes and finished plus-9.
Ezeli’s line: 8 points (4-of-4), six rebounds and a blocked shot. He played 13 minutes and finished at plus-13.
TURNING POINT:
After the Blazers took a 91-82 lead on an Allen Crabbe dunk with 9:02 remaining, the Warriors stormed back with a 9-0 run, tying at 91-91 on a Thompson corner 3-pointer with 6:44 left.
The Warriors continued to roll from there until the final buzzer, closing out the game with a 28-8 run.
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: C/F Meyers Leonard (L shoulder surgery) was listed as out and placed on the inactive list with F Cliff Alexander (healthy).
WHAT’S NEXT:
Game 3 is set for Saturday afternoon at Moda Center in Portland. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PDT.
