The Golden State Warriors are set to embark on a two-game road trip, beginning with a clash against the Portland Trail Blazers this Sunday night. The game is scheduled for 6:00 PM PT at the Moda Center in Portland and can be viewed on NBC Sports Bay Area.
In their last appearance, the Warriors faced a tough challenge, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 127–120. Steph Curry shined in his return from a five-game absence due to a quad injury, leading all scorers with an impressive 39 points, alongside five rebounds and five assists. His performance, however, was not enough to secure a victory, as Minnesota outscored Golden State 39–29 in the crucial fourth quarter. Notably, former Warrior Donte DiVincenzo played a significant role in the game, hitting several key shots that contributed to the Timberwolves’ win. Throughout the intense match, there were 27 lead changes, underscoring the tightly contested nature of the game.
Curry expressed gratitude for the team’s effort, saying, “Thankful we got back in the game, took a lead for a certain point, but then you’re at the mercy of a couple of makes here, a couple of misses there, challenge calls and stuff like that. [We] gave ourselves a chance.”
Looking ahead to tonight’s matchup, the Warriors expect the return of Draymond Green, who missed the previous game. Green’s presence is anticipated to strengthen the Warriors’ defense, as the team struggled to contain the Timberwolves’ frontcourt without him. Minnesota stars Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert combined for 51 points in Green’s absence, highlighting the importance of his defensive skills.
In the previous game, the Warriors opted to keep Pat Spencer in the starting lineup, where he contributed 12 points alongside Curry. Spencer’s ball-handling abilities allowed Curry to operate off the ball, a strategy both players have shown enthusiasm for. Curry remarked on the synergy with Spencer, comparing it to past collaboration with Jarrett Jack, noting, “It was cool. It’s reminiscent for me… with full confidence that he can initiate the offense.”
As the Warriors prepare for this evening’s game, the projected starters include Curry, Spencer, Jimmy Butler, Green, and Quinten Post for Golden State, while the Trail Blazers will feature Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant, and Donovan Clingan.
Fans can anticipate a thrilling showdown as the Warriors aim to improve their record to 14-13 against a struggling Trail Blazers squad, which currently stands at 9-16. The excitement of the game and the return of key players offer a renewed sense of hope for Dub Nation.