The Golden State Warriors are working to find their defensive groove, and Draymond Green is leading the charge. On Friday night, Greene and his supporting cast got it done in crunch time.
The Golden State Warriors are working to find their defensive groove, and Draymond Green is leading the charge. On Friday night, Greene and his supporting cast got it done in crunch time.
Jordan Poole scored 41 points, Klay Thompson made a crucial 3-pointer with 1:36 left and added 31, and the Warriors improved their league-best home record to 16-2 with a 118-112 win over Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Green's defense went on a 12-0 run late after the Warriors trailed by eight with 5 minutes to play, and now the defending champions have their first four-game winning streak all season.
It's incredible. It's absolutely amazing," Green said. "I think we're just beginning the battle."Lillard did his best to rally the Trail Blazers after halftime and finished with 34 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Poole had its second 40-point game in the past 15 contests. His 3 with 2:57 left got Golden State within 110-109 but he turned the ball over on the next possession before Jonathan Kumminger drove in a two-handed slam for the lead moments later.
Ty Jerome hit a half-court buzzer-beater to end the first quarter that put Golden State up 41-25, much to the delight of a jubilant Stephen Curry as the reigning NBA Finals MVP missed his eighth straight game with a partially dislocated left shoulder.
Poole has been the Warriors' leading scorer in nine of the 10 total games Curry has missed so far. All four wins require a grit,” Coach Steve Kerr said. “Our fans can feel it, our fans are great. I think they're really enjoying watching this team grow."
The Blazers, who have lost four of five, started the third on a 19-9 run to take a 75-69 lead. Anfernie Simmons added 22 points and seven rebounds.