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The Golden State Warriors’ season of plucky misery rolled on as they were bested by the Portland Trail Blazers in the Moda Center 122-112.
Damian Lillard led the way for the hometeam with 31 points, while his backcourt partner C.J. McCollum added 30 of his own.
D’Angelo Russell scored 26 points to lead the Dubs, while Glenn Robinson III made five three-pointers en route to 17 points.
First Half
The Blazers scored 40 points in the first quarter on 65% shooting, with Lillard’s 16 points leading the way. It was tough to watch early on; the Dubs blew several easy lobs and layups while Portland scored at will.
Melo dunk: 10/10
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 19, 2019
Nurk's reaction: 12/10 pic.twitter.com/XG64uSy8RQ
Portland stretched their lead to as much as 13, but the Warriors made a 37-27 run in the second quarter to make the game interesting.
Burks finds Paschall for the oop pic.twitter.com/mec9VP7DLx
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 19, 2019
The Warriors’ defense fueled their offense, as they forced nine turnovers in the half, allowing their shooters to find room in transition beyond the arc. Russell’s 18 first half points paced the Dubs, showing some of the incendiary offensive talent that makes him such a tantalizing prospect.
Eric Paschall and D'Angelo Russell combined to score 17 of Golden State's 37 points in the second quarter. Warriors trail the Blazers 67-66 at the half.
— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) December 19, 2019
Warriors at half vs. POR:
— Joe Viray (@JoeViray90) December 19, 2019
ORtg: 125.5
DRtg: 127.4
NetRtg: -1.9
Defense is apparently optional in this game.
Blazers 67, Warriors 66
Second Half
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: the Dubs fought hard but ultimately couldn’t make the winning plays down the stretch.
Melo with the denial, CJ with ALL the moves pic.twitter.com/jBr16LSJGA
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 19, 2019
Career-high five triples for @GRIII
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 19, 2019
@NBCSWarriors pic.twitter.com/qapx35VD8I
The Warriors actually shot well from beyond the arc (16-of-45 = 43%) but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Blazers’ 25-of-28 performance from the charity stripe.
WELLP. Bring on the Pelicans Friday!