The Warriors have spent most of this season with the best record in the NBA. That changed Wednesday night in Portland.
Despite Kevin Durant’s 50-point night -- his highest total as a Warrior -- the defending champions left Moda Center with a 123-117 loss.
The Warriors (44-14) go into the All-Star break a half game behind the Houston Rockets (44-13).
Durant carried the offense, as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson scored 17 points each but combined to shoot 12-of-32 from the field, including 6-of-17 beyond the arc. Draymond Green, who was terrific defensively, added 16 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 44 points.
STANDOUT PERFORMER: On a night when most of his teammates struggled to generate offense, Durant had no such issues.
Durant’s line: 50 points (17-of-27 shooting from the field, including 6-of-14 from beyond the arc, 10-of-10 from the line), seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks. He played 37 minutes and finished minus-6.
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TURNING POINT: Portland led by as much as 20 in the first half, and the Warriors didn’t catch up until the fourth quarter, when Curry 3-pointer pulled them in to a 99-99 tie with 7:10 remaining.
Though the Warriors never took a lead, Portland didn’t secure the victory until the final seconds, with Lillard making two free throws with 7.8 seconds remaining.
INJURY UPDATE: Warriors: F Draymond Green (L index finger sprain) and F/C Kevon Looney (R knee soreness) were upgraded to available after morning shootaround. G Pat McCaw (L wrist fracture) and F Jordan Bell (L ankle inflammation) were listed as out.
Trail Blazers: C Jusuf Nurkic (R calf strain, right oblique strain, low back soreness) was listed as questionable and upgraded to available prior to tipoff.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Warriors begin their All-Star break Thursday and return to the court Feb. 22, when they face the Los Angeles Clippers at Oracle Arena. Coverage on NBC Sports Bay Area begins at 6:30, with tipoff scheduled for 7:35.
