Trail Blazers Triumph Over Warriors as Avdija Shines in NBA Cup

Post by : Mara Rahim

In an exhilarating NBA Cup clash, the Portland Trail Blazers clinched a narrow 127-123 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday. Deni Avdija was the standout performer, delivering a stellar show with 26 points, a career-best 14 assists, and six rebounds that were crucial in ensuring Portland’s success on the road.

Although Avdija's shooting was not at its finest, converting just six of 14 attempts from the floor, his composure at the charity stripe proved vital. He netted 12 of 13 free throws, including two pivotal shots with only 9.8 seconds remaining, sealing Portland's long-awaited first road win against the Warriors since January 1, 2021. His remarkable gameplay kept the momentum flowing for the Trail Blazers throughout the match.

The Blazers also benefited from significant contributions by other team members. Donovan Clingan shined with a career-high 22 points and 10 rebounds, resulting in a valuable double-double. Meanwhile, Caleb Love and Toumani Camara added 26 and 20 points respectively, while Sidy Cissoko made 15 points off the bench, maintaining an aggressive offensive strategy. These efforts were instrumental in keeping the Blazers in control during the later stages of the game.

Conversely, the Warriors didn't make it easy for their opponents. Stephen Curry dazzled with 38 points and nine 3-pointers, keeping Golden State in contention until the closing moments. His spectacular shooting performance included a hot streak in the second quarter where he went 6-for-6 from the field, propelling the Warriors to a 72-65 lead at halftime after an explosive 44-point quarter.

After a commanding second quarter by Golden State, Portland seized back control in the third and maintained its lead into the fourth. The Warriors had a chance to tighten the score at 115-111, but an offensive foul against Butler hampered their rhythm. Coach Steve Kerr's challenge of the call proved unhelpful as the refs upheld their decision, which turned out to be a crucial moment in the game.

Brandin Podziemski and Butler each netted 20 points, providing much-needed support for the Warriors, while Draymond Green contributed 11 points and eight rebounds. Nevertheless, Golden State has now lost three consecutive games, struggling defensively and in late-game execution against Portland's efficient offensive plays.

Following this match, the Trail Blazers advanced to a 2-1 record in the NBA Cup, positioning themselves well for future rounds. In contrast, the Warriors slipped to 1-2, as they now face pressure to turn their fortunes around in the forthcoming games.

Before tip-off, Golden State honored the legends of their 1975 championship, with Hall of Famer Rick Barry among the attendees, igniting a lively atmosphere. Despite the emotional support from the crowd, it was not enough to clinch a victory for the Warriors.

Portland burst out of the blocks initially, thanks to the early efforts from Camara and Clingan who collectively tallied 16 points and six rebounds in the first quarter. However, the Warriors responded valiantly during the second quarter, characterized by Curry's sharp shooting.

Ultimately, it was Portland's collaborative approach, effective free-throw shooting, and Avdija’s all-around excellence that secured them the win. As confidence builds and their young players step up, the Trail Blazers are demonstrating significant progress in the NBA Cup.