Craig Mitchelldyer/Associated Press
Damian Lillard drained the game-winning three-pointer with 14 seconds left in regulation as the Portland Trail Blazers earned a 108-106 home win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday at Moda Center.
Lillard scored eight points in the final 2:06 of the fourth quarter and also drew a charge on Draymond Green with 3.3 seconds left to preserve the two-point edge.
Blazers forward Robert Covington was fouled following the charge, but he missed both free throws, giving the Warriors one last chance following a defensive rebound. However, Damion Lee’s 37-foot heave at the buzzer did not connect.
Warriors point guard Stephen Curry led all scorers with 35 points on 13-of-28 shooting. Lillard and Carmelo Anthony each paced Portland with 22 points.
The Warriors were without Kelly Oubre Jr. (left wrist sprain). Kent Bazemore started in his place.
The 19-17 Warriors have lost two straight games, and the 20-14 Blazers have won two consecutive matchups.
Notable Performances
Warriors PG Stephen Curry: 35 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals
Warriors F Draymond Green: 5 points, 12 assists, 9 rebounds, 3 steals
Warriors F Andrew Wiggins: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
Blazers PG Damian Lillard: 22 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds
Blazers F Robert Covington: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals
Blazers F Carmelo Anthony: 22 points, 4 assists
Lillard Saves His Best for Last
On paper, Lillard did not have a good night. His 22 points were roughly eight below his season average, he shot just 6-of-17 from the field (3-of-10 from three-point range), and he committed five turnovers, as well.
None of that really matters, however, as the final two minutes of the game became Dame Time.
With the Blazers trailing 103-100 following a Curry two-pointer, Lillard nailed a three-pointer to tie the game with 2:06 left.
Green responded on Golden State’s next possession with a three of his own. The Blazers came up empty on the other end, but the Warriors couldn’t answer. Lillard then drew a foul that led to a pair of free throws and a 106-105 Warrior lead.
He then took care of his own business, grabbing a defensive rebound off a Curry miss before drilling a deep three 12 seconds later.
The former Weber State star then played excellent defense on the other end, getting himself set just in time before a hard-charging Green soared in for the layup.
A spot that could have easily resulted in a three-point play for Green (and a one-point Warrior lead) ended with Portland getting the ball up two.
With that, the Blazers won their second straight game after dropping four following an 18-10 start.
Curry, Green Post Great Nights for Golden State
This loss will sting for Golden State, which was up 13 points early and led for most of the fourth quarter before falling short.
However, there are some positives to take away for a team that entered without its third-leading scorer in Oubre.
For starters, Curry was excellent once again, hitting 13 of 28 shots for his 35 points and adding three steals. No shot was more impressive than this one, which would be a winner in a game of H.O.R.S.E. 99.9 percent of the time.
Curry hit five three-pointers on the night, but his drives to the lane were exceptional, especially when he converted this three-point play following a layup high off the backboard:
He also hit this big bucket for a late 103-100 advantage:
The Warriors needed all of Curry’s magic during a night on which only three other Warriors scored in double digits with none topping 14 points.
Green was not among those other players, but he was great nonetheless, stuffing the stat sheet once again.
The ex-Michigan State star set up his teammates with 12 assists, including this lob to center James Wiseman:
He also led the team with nine rebounds, but it was a three-pointer that nearly gave the Warriors a win when he nailed this shot after Portland gave him space from deep for a 106-103 lead:
Green was nearly the hero down the stretch as he converted a layup despite the contact from Lillard. It wasn’t meant to be, however, and the Warriors lost a tough one despite Curry’s and Green’s efforts.
What’s Next?
Both teams will play Thursday at 10 p.m. ET to finish out the first half of their regular-season schedules. The Warriors will visit the Phoenix Suns, and the Blazers will host the Sacramento Kings.
